TheBladeItself
TheFirstLaw:Book1
JoeAbercrombie
FortheFourReaders
Youknowwhoyouare
TheEnd
Logen plunged through the trees, bare feet slipping and sliding on the wet
earth,theslush,thewetpineneedles,breathraspinginhischest,bloodthumping
inhishead.Hestumbledandsprawledontohisside,nearlycuthischestopen
withhisownaxe,laytherepanting,peeringthroughtheshadowyforest.
TheDogmanhadbeenwithhimuntilamomentbefore,hewassure,butthere
wasn’tanysignofhimnow.Asfortheothers,therewasnotelling.Someleader,
gettingsplitupfromhisboyslikethat.Heshould’vebeentryingtogetback,but
theShankawereallaround.Hecouldfeelthemmovingbetweenthetrees,his
nose was full of the smell of them. Sounded as if there was some shouting
somewhereonhisleft,fightingmaybe.Logencreptslowlytohisfeet,tryingto
stayquiet.Atwigsnappedandhewhippedround.
Therewasaspearcomingathim.Acruel-lookingspear,comingathimfast
withaShankaontheotherendofit.
“Shit,”saidLogen.Hethrewhimselftooneside,slippedandfellonhisface,
rolledawaythrashingthroughthebrush,expectingthespearthroughhisbackat
anymoment.Hescrambledup,breathinghard.Hesawthebrightpointpokingat
himagain,dodgedoutoftheway,slitheredbehindabigtreetrunk.Hepeered
outandtheFlatheadhissedandstabbedathim.Heshowedhimselfontheother
side,justforamoment,thenduckedaway,jumpedroundthetreeandswungthe
axedown,roaringloudashecould.Therewasacrackasthebladeburieditself
deepintheShanka’sskull.Luckythat,butthenLogenreckonedhewasduea
littleluck.
TheFlatheadstoodthere,blinkingathim.Thenitstartedtoswayfromsideto
side,blood dribblingdownits face.Thenit droppedlikea stone, draggingthe
axefromLogen’sfingers,thrashingaroundontheground,athisfeet.Hetriedto
grabholdofhisaxe-handlebuttheShankastillsomehowhadagriponitsspear
andthepointwasflailingaroundintheair.
“Gah!”squawkedLogenasthespearcutanickinhisarm.Hefeltashadow
fallacrosshisface.AnotherFlathead.Adamnbigone.Alreadyintheair,arms
outstretched. No time to get the axe. No time to get out of the way. Logen’s
mouthopened,buttherewasnotimetosayanything.Whatdoyousayatatime
likethat?
Theycrashedtothewetgroundtogether,rolledtogetherthroughthedirtand
thethornsandthebrokenbranches,tearingandpunchingandgrowlingateach
other.AtreeroothitLogeninthehead,hard,andmadehisearsring.Hehada
knife somewhere, but he couldn’t remember where. They rolled on, and on,
downhill,theworldflippingandflippingaround,Logentryingtoshakethefuzz
out of his head and throttle the big Flathead at the same time. There was no
stopping.
It had seemed a clever notion to pitch camp near the gorge. No chance of
anyonesneakingupbehind.Now,asLogenslidovertheedgeofthecliffonhis
belly,theidealostmuchofitsappeal.Hishandsscrabbledatthewetearth.Only
dirtandbrownpineneedles.Hisfingersclutched,clutchedatnothing.Hewas
beginningtofall.Heletgoalittlewhimper.
Hishandsclosedaroundsomething.Atreeroot,stickingoutfromtheearthat
theveryedgeofthegorge.Heswunginspace,gasping,buthisgripwasfirm.
“Hah!”heshouted.“Hah!”Hewasstillalive.Itwouldtakemorethanafew
FlatheadstoputanendtoLogenNinefingers.Hestartedtopullhimselfuponto
thebankbutcouldn’tmanageit.Therewassomegreatweightaroundhislegs.
Hepeereddown.
Thegorgewasdeep.Verydeepwithsheer,rockysides.Hereandthereatree
clung to a crack, growing out into the empty air and spreading its leaves into
space. The river hissed away far below, fast and angry, foaming white water
fringedbyjaggedblackstone.Thatwasallbad,forsure,but therealproblem
wasclosertohand.ThebigShankawasstillwithhim,swinginggentlybackand
forthwithitsdirtyhandsclampedtightaroundhisleftankle.
“Shit,”mutteredLogen.Itwasquiteascrapehewasin.He’dbeeninsome
bad ones alright, and lived to sing the songs, but it was hard to see how this
couldgetmuchworse.Thatgothimthinkingabouthislife.Itseemedabitter,
pointless sort of a life now. No one was any better off because of it. Full of
violenceandpain,withnotmuchbutdisappointmentandhardshipinbetween.
Hishandswerestartingtotirenow,hisforearmswereburning.ThebigFlathead
didn’t look like it was going to fall off any time soon. In fact, it had dragged
itselfuphislegaway.Itpaused,glaringupathim.
IfLogenhadbeentheoneclingingtotheShanka’sfoot,hewouldmostlikely
havethought,“MylifedependsonthislegI’mhangingfrom—bestnottakeany
chances.”Amanwouldrathersavehimselfthankillhisenemy.Troublewasthat
the Shanka didn’t think that way, and Logen knew it. So it wasn’t much of a
surprisewhenitopeneditsbigmouthandsankitsteethintohiscalf.
“Aaaargh!”Logengrunted,andsquealedandkickedoutashardashecould
withhis bareheel,kicked abloodygash intheShanka’shead, butit wouldn’t
stopbiting,andtheharderhekicked,themorehishandsslippedonthegreasy
rootabove.Therewasn’tmuchrootlefttoholdonto,now,andwhattherewas
looked like snapping off any moment. He tried to think past the pain in his
hands,thepaininhisarms,theFlathead’steethinhisleg.Hewasgoingtofall.
Theonlychoicewasbetweenfallingonrocksorfallingonwater,andthatwasa
choicethatmoreorlessmadeitself.
Onceyou’vegotatasktodo,it’sbettertodoitthantolivewiththefearofit.
That’swhatLogen’sfatherwouldhavesaid.Soheplantedhisfreefootfirmly
on the rock face, took one last deep breath, and flung himself out into empty
spacewithallthestrengthhehadleft.Hefeltthebitingteethletgoofhim,then
thegraspinghands,andforamomenthewasfree.
Thenhe began tofall. Fast.Thesides of thegorgeflashed past—greyrock,
greenmoss,patchesofwhitesnow,alltumblingaroundhim.
Logen turned over slowly in the air, limbs flailing pointlessly, too scared to
scream.Therushingwindwhippedathiseyes,tuggedathisclothes,pluckedthe
breathoutofhismouth.HesawthebigShankahittherockfacebesidehim.He
sawitbreakandbounceandflopoff,deadforsure.Thatwasapleasingsight,
butLogen’ssatisfactionwasshort-lived.
The water came up to meet him. It hit him in the side like a charging bull,
punchedtheairoutofhislungs,knockedthesenseoutofhishead,suckedhim
inanddownintothecolddarkness…
PARTI
“Thebladeitselfincitestodeedsofviolence.”
Homer
TheSurvivors
Thelappingofwaterinhisears.Thatwasthefirstthing.Thelappingofwater,
therustlingoftrees,theoddclickandtwitterofabird.
Logenopenedhiseyesacrack.Light,blurrybrightthroughleaves.Thiswas
death? Then why did it hurt so much? His whole left side was throbbing. He
tried to take a proper breath, choked, coughed up water, spat out mud. He
groaned,floppedoverontohishandsandknees,draggedhimselfupoutofthe
river,gaspingthroughclenchedteeth,rolledontohisbackinthemossandslime
androttensticksatthewatersedge.
He lay there for a moment, staring up at the grey sky beyond the black
branches,breathwheezinginhisrawthroat.
“Iamstillalive,”hecroakedtohimself.Stillalive,inspiteofthebestefforts
ofnature,Shanka,menandbeasts.Soakingwetandflatonhisback,hestarted
tochuckle.Reedy,gurglinglaughter.SayonethingforLogenNinefingers,say
he’sasurvivor.
Acoldwindblewacrosstherottingriverbank,andLogen’slaughterslowly
died.Alivehemightbe,butstayingalive,thatwasanotherquestion.Hesatup,
wincingatthepain.Hetotteredtohisfeet,leaningagainstthenearesttreetrunk.
Hescrapedthedirtoutofhisnose,hiseyes,hisears.Hepulleduphiswetshirt
totakealookatthedamage.
Hissidewascoveredinbruisesfromthefall.Blueandpurplestainsalluphis
ribs. Tender to the touch, and no mistake, but it didn’t feel like anything was
broken. His leg was a mess. Torn and bloody from the Shanka’s teeth. It hurt
bad, but his foot still moved well enough, and that was the main thing. He’d
needhisfoot,ifhewasgoingtogetoutofthis.
Hestillhadhisknifeinthesheathathisbelt,andhewasmightilygladtosee
it.YoucouldneverhavetoomanyknivesinLogen’sexperience,andthiswasa
goodone,buttheoutlookwasstillbleak.Hewasonhisown,inwoodscrawling
withFlatheads.Hehadnoideawherehewas,buthecouldfollowtheriver.The
rivers all flowed north, from the mountains to the cold sea. Follow the river
southwards, against the current. Follow the river and climb up, into the High
PlaceswheretheShankacouldn’tfindhim.Thatwashisonlychance.
Itwouldbecoldupthere,thistimeofyear.Deadlycold.Helookeddownat
his bare feet. It was just his luck that the Shanka had come while he had his
bootsoff,trimminghisblisters.Nocoateither—he’dbeensittingnearthefire.
Likethis,hewouldn’tlastadayinthemountains.Hishandsandfeetwouldturn
blackinthenight,andhe’ddiebitbybitbeforeheevenreachedthepasses.Ifhe
didn’tstarvefirst.
“Shit,” he muttered. He had to go back to the camp. He had to hope the
Flatheadshadmovedon,hopethey’dleftsomethingbehind.Somethinghecould
usetosurvive.Thatwasanawfullotofhoping,buthehadnochoice.Henever
hadanychoices.
IthadstartedtorainbythetimeLogen found the place. Spitting drops that
plasteredhishairtohisskull,kepthisclotheswetthrough.Hepressedhimself
againstamossytrunkandpeeredouttowardsthecamp,heartpounding,fingers
ofhisrighthandcurledpainfultightaroundtheslipperygripofhisknife.
Hesaw theblackened circlewhere thefire hadbeen, half-burnedsticks and
ashtrampledroundit.HesawthebiglogThreetreesandDowhadbeensitting
onwhentheFlatheadscame.Hesawoddbitsoftornandbrokengearscattered
acrosstheclearing.HecountedthreedeadShankacrumpledontheground,one
withanarrowpokingoutofitschest.Threedeadones,butnosignofanyalive.
That was lucky. Just lucky enough to survive, as always. Still, they might be
backatanymoment.Hehadtobequick.
Logenscuttledoutfromthetrees,castingaboutontheground.Hisbootswere
stilltherewherehe’dleftthem.Hesnatchedthemupanddraggedthemontohis
freezing feet, hopping around, almost slipping in his haste. His coat was there
too,wedgedunder thelog,batteredandscarredfromtenyearsof weatherand
war,tornandstitchedbacktogether,missinghalfasleeve.Hispackwaslying
shapeless in the brush nearby, its contents strewn out down the slope. He
crouched,breathless,throwingitallbackinside.Alengthofrope,hisoldclay
pipe, some strips of dried meat, needle and twine, a dented flask with some
liquorstillsloshinginside.Allgood.Alluseful.
There was a tattered blanket snagged on a branch, wet and half caked in
grime. Logen pulled it up, and grinned. His old, battered cook pot was
underneath.Lyingonitsside,kickedoffthefireinthefightmaybe.Hegrabbed
holdofitwithbothhands.Itfeltsafe,familiar,dentedandblackenedfromyears
ofharduse.He’dhadthatpotalongtime.Ithadfollowedhimallthroughthe
wars,acrosstheNorthandbackagain.Theyhadallcookedinittogether,outon
thetrail,alleatenoutofit.Forley,Grim,theDogman,allofthem.
Logen looked over the campsite again. Three dead Shanka, but none of his
people.Maybetheywerestilloutthere.Maybeifhetookarisk,triedtolook—
“No.”Hesaiditquietly,underhisbreath.Heknewbetterthanthat.Therehad
beenalotofFlatheads.Anawfullot.Hehadnoideahowlonghe’dlainonthe
river bank. Even if a couple of the boys had got away, the Shanka would be
huntingthem,huntingthemdownintheforests.Theywerenothingbutcorpses
now,for sure,scattered acrossthe highvalleys. AllLogen coulddo wasmake
forthemountains, and trytosave his own sorrylife.Youhavetobe realistic.
Havetobe,howevermuchithurts.
“It’sjustyouandmenow,”saidLogenashestuffedthepotintohispackand
threw it over his shoulder. He started to limp off, as fast as he could. Uphill,
towardstheriver,towardsthemountains.
Justthetwoofthem.Himandthepot.
Theyweretheonlysurvivors.
Questions
WhydoIdothis?InquisitorGloktaaskedhimselfforthethousandthtimeas
helimpeddownthecorridor.Thewallswererenderedandwhitewashed,though
none too recently. There was a seedy feel to the place and a smell of damp.
Therewerenowindows,asthe hallwaywas deepbeneath theground, andthe
lanternscastslowflowingshadowsintoeverycorner.
Whywouldanyonewanttodothis?Glokta’swalkingmadeasteadyrhythm
onthegrimytilesofthefloor.Firsttheconfidentclickofhisrightheel,thenthe
tapofhiscane,thentheendlessslidingofhisleftfoot,withthefamiliarstabbing
painsintheankle,knee,arseandback.Click,tap,pain.Thatwastherhythmof
hiswalking.
Thedirtymonotonyofthecorridorwasbrokenfromtimetotimebyaheavy
door,boundandstudded with pitted iron. On oneoccasion,Gloktathought he
heardamuffledcryofpainfrombehindone.Iwonderwhatpoorfoolisbeing
questionedinthere?Whatcrimetheyareguilty,orinnocentof?Whatsecretsare
being picked at, what lies cut through, what treasons laid bare? He didn’t
wonderlongthough.Hewasinterruptedbythesteps.
IfGloktahadbeengiventheopportunitytotortureanyoneman,anyoneat
all,hewouldsurelyhavechosentheinventorofsteps.Whenhewasyoungand
widely admired, before his misfortunes, he had never really noticed them. He
had sprung down them two at a time and gone blithely on his way. No more.
They’re everywhere. You really can’t change floors without them. And down is
worsethanup,that’sthethingpeopleneverrealise.Goingup,youusuallydon’t
fallthatfar.
Heknewthisflightwell.Sixteensteps,cutfromsmoothstone,alittleworn
toward the centre, slightly damp, like everything down here. There was no
banister,nothingtoclingto.Sixteen enemies. Achallenge indeed. It had taken
Gloktaalongtimetodeveloptheleastpainfulmethodofdescendingstairs.He
wentsidewayslikeacrab.Canefirst,thenleftfoot,thenright,withmorethan
theusualagonyashisleftlegtookhisweight,joinedbyapersistentstabbingin
theneck.WhyshouldithurtinmyneckwhenIgodownstairs?Doesmyneck
takemyweight?Doesit?Yetthepaincouldnotbedenied.
Glokta paused four steps from the bottom. He had nearly beaten them. His
handwastremblingonthehandleofhiscane, hisleftlegachinglikefury. He
tongued his gums where his front teeth used to be, took a deep breath and
steppedforward.Hisanklegavewaywithahorrifyingwrenchandheplunged
into space, twisting, lurching, his mind a cauldron of horror and despair. He
stumbledontothenextsteplikeadrunkard,fingernailsscratchingatthesmooth
wall,givingasquealofterror.Youstupid,stupidbastard!Hiscaneclatteredto
thefloor, hisclumsyfeet wrestledwith thestonesand hefoundhimself atthe
bottom,bysomemiraclestillstanding.
And here it is. That horrible, beautiful, stretched out moment between
stubbing your toe and feeling the hurt. How long do I have before the pain
comes?Howbadwillitbewhenitdoes?Gasping,slack-jawedatthefootofthe
steps,Gloktafeltatinglingofanticipation.Hereitcomes…
Theagonywasunspeakable,asearingspasmuphisleftsidefromfoottojaw.
Hesqueezedhiswateringeyestightshut,clampedhisrighthandoverhismouth
sohardthattheknucklesclicked.Hisremainingteethgratedagainsteachother
as he locked his jaws together, but a high-pitched, jagged moan still whistled
from him. Am I screaming or laughing? How do I tell the difference? He
breathedinheavinggasps,throughhisnose,snotbubblingoutontohishand,his
twistedbodyshakingwiththeeffortofstayingupright.
Thespasmpassed.Gloktamovedhislimbscautiously,onebyone,testingthe
damage. His leg was on fire, his foot numb, his neck clicked with every
movement, sending vicious little stings down his spine. Pretty good,
considering.Hebentdownwithaneffortandsnatcheduphiscanebetweentwo
fingers,drewhimselfuponcemore,wipedthesnotandtearsonthebackofhis
hand.Trulyathrill.DidIenjoyit?Formostpeoplestairsareamundaneaffair.
For me, an adventure! He limped off down the corridor, giggling quietly to
himself.Hewasstillsmilingeversofaintlywhenhereachedhisowndoorand
shuffledinside.
Agrubbywhiteboxwithtwodoorsfacingeachother.Theceilingwastoolow
forcomfort,theroomtoobrightlylitbyblazinglamps.Dampwascreepingout
of one corner and the plaster had erupted with flaking blisters, speckled with
blackmould.Someonehadtriedtoscrubalongbloodstainfromonewall,but
hadn’ttriednearlyhardenough.
Practical Frost was standing on the other side of the room, big arms folded
acrosshisbigchest.HenoddedtoGlokta,withalltheemotionofastone,and
Gloktanoddedback.Betweenthemstoodascarred,stainedwoodentable,bolted
tothefloorandflankedbytwochairs.Anakedfatmansatinoneofthem,hands
tiedtightlybehindhimandwithabrowncanvasbagoverhishead.Hisquick,
muffled breathing was the only sound. It was cold down here, but he was
sweating.Aswellheshouldbe.
Glokta limped over to the other chair, leaned his cane carefully against the
edgeofthetabletopandslowly,cautiously,painfullysatdown.Hestretchedhis
neck to the left and right, then allowed his body to slump into a position
approachingcomfort.IfGloktahadbeengiventheopportunitytoshakethehand
of any one man, any one at all, he would surely have chosen the inventor of
chairs.Hehasmademylifealmostbearable.
Froststeppedsilentlyoutofthecornerandtookholdoftheloosetopofthe
bagbetweenmeaty,palefingerandheavy,whitethumb.Gloktanoddedandthe
Practicalrippeditoff,leavingSalemRewsblinkingintheharshlight.
A mean, piggy, ugly little face. You mean, ugly pig, Rews. You disgusting
swine.You’rereadytoconfessrightnow,I’llbet,readytotalkandtalkwithout
interruption, until we’re all sick of it. There was a big dark bruise across his
cheek and another on his jaw above his double chin. As his watering eyes
adjustedtothebrightnessherecognisedGloktasittingoppositehim,andhisface
suddenlyfilledwithhope.Asadly,sadlymisplacedhope.
“Glokta, you have to help me!” he squealed, leaning forward as far as his
bonds would allow, words bubbling out in a desperate, mumbling mess. “I’m
falsely accused, you know it, I’m innocent! You’ve come to help me, yes?
You’re my friend! You have influence here. We’re friends, friends! You could
saysomethingforme!I’maninnocentman,falselyaccused!I’m—”
Glokta held up his hand for silence. He stared at Rews’ familiar face for a
moment, as though he had never laid eyes on him before. Then he turned to
Frost.“AmIsupposedtoknowthisman?”
The albino said nothing. The bottom part of his face was hidden by his
Practical’smask,andthetophalfgavenothingaway.Hestaredunblinkingatthe
prisonerinthechair,pinkeyesasdeadasacorpse.Hehadn’tblinkedoncesince
Gloktacameintotheroom.Howcanhedothat?
“It’s me, Rews!” hissed the fat man, the pitch of his voice rising steadily
towardspanic.“SalemRews,youknowme,Glokta!Iwaswithyouinthewar,
before…youknow…we’refriends!We—”
Gloktahelduphishandagainandsatback,tappingoneofhisfewremaining
teethwithafingernailasthoughdeepinthought.“Rews.Thenameisfamiliar.A
merchant, a member of the Guild of Mercers. A rich man by all accounts. I
remembernow…”Gloktaleanedforward,pausingforeffect.“Hewasatraitor!
He was taken by the Inquisition, his property confiscated. You see, he had
conspired to avoid the King’s taxes.” Rews’ mouth was hanging open. “The
King’staxes!”screamedGlokta,smashinghishanddownonthetable.Thefat
manstared,wideeyed,andlickedatatooth.Upperrightside,secondfromthe
back.
“Butwhereareourmanners?”askedGloktaofnooneinparticular.“Wemay
ormaynothaveknowneachotheronce,butIdon’tthinkyouandmyassistant
havebeenproperlyintroduced.PracticalFrost,sayhellotothisfatman.”
Itwasanopen-handedblow,butpowerfulenoughtoknockRewscleanoutof
hisseat.The chair rattledbutwasotherwise unaffected.How is that done? To
knockhimtothegroundbutleavethechairstanding?Rewssprawledgurgling
acrossthefloor,faceflattenedonthetiles.
“He reminds me of a beached whale,” said Glokta absently. The albino
grabbedRewsunderthearmandhauledhimup,flunghimbackintothechair.
Bloodseepedfromacutonhischeek,buthispiggyeyeswerehardnow.Blows
makemostmensoftenup,butsomemenharden.Ineverwouldhavetakenthis
oneforatoughman,butlifeisfullofsurprises.
Rewsspatbloodontothetabletop.“You’vegonetoofarhere,Glokta,ohyes!
The Mercers are an honourable guild; we have influence! They won’t put up
withthis!I’maknownman!EvennowmywifewillbepetitioningtheKingto
hearmycase!”
“Ah,yourwife.”Gloktasmiledsadly.“Yourwifeisaverybeautifulwoman.
Beautiful,andyoung.Ifear,perhaps,alittletooyoungforyou.Ifearshetook
theopportunitytoberidofyou.Ifearshecameforwardwithyourbooks.All
thebooks.”Rews’facepaled.
“Welookedatthosebooks,”Gloktaindicatedanimaginarypileofpaperson
hisleft,“welookedatthebooksinthetreasury,”indicatinganotheronhisright.
“Imagineoursurprisewhenwecouldnotmakethenumbersaddup.Andthen
there were the night-time visits by your employees to warehouses in the old
quarter, the small unregistered boats, the payments to officials, the forged
documentation. Must I go on?” asked Glokta, shaking his head in profound
disapproval.Thefatmanswallowedandlickedhislips.
Pen and ink were placed before the prisoner, and the paper of confession,
filledoutindetailinFrost’sbeautiful,carefulscript,awaitingonlythesignature.
I’llgethimrighthereandnow.
“Confess, Rews,” Glokta whispered softly, “and put a painless end to this
regrettablebusiness.Confessandnameyouraccomplices.Wealreadyknowwho
theyare.Itwillbeeasieronallofus.Idon’twanttohurtyou,believeme,itwill
givemenopleasure.”Nothingwill.“Confess.Confess,andyouwillbespared.
Exile in Angland is not so bad as they would have you believe. There is still
pleasuretobehadfromlifethere,andthesatisfactionofadayofhonestwork,in
theserviceofyourKing.Confess!”Rewsstaredatthefloor,lickingathistooth.
Gloktasatbackandsighed.
“Ornot,”hesaid,“andIcancomebackwithmyinstruments.”Frostmoved
forward, his massive shadow falling across the fat man’s face. “Body found
floating by the docks,” Glokta breathed, “bloated by seawater and horribly
mutilated…far…farbeyondrecognition.”He’sreadytotalk.He’sfatandripe
andreadytoburst.“Weretheinjuriesinflictedbeforeorafterdeath?”heasked
the ceiling breezily. “Was the mysterious deceased a man or a woman even?”
Gloktashrugged.“Whocansay?”
Therewasasharpknockatthedoor.Rews’facejerkedup,filledwithhope
again.Notnow,damn it!Frostwent to thedoor,opened it acrack.Something
wassaid.Thedoorshut,FrostleaneddowntowhisperinGlokta’sear.
“IthTheverar,”camethehalf-tonguedmumble,bywhichGloktaunderstood
thatSeverardwasatthedoor.
Already?Gloktasmiledandnodded,asifitwasgoodnews.Rews’facefella
little.Howcouldamanwhosebusinesshasbeenconcealmentfinditimpossible
tohidehisemotionsinthisroom?ButGloktaknewhow.It’shardtostaycalm
whenyou’reterrified,helpless,alone,atthemercyofmenwithnomercyatall.
Who could know that better than me? He sighed, and using his most world-
wearytoneofvoiceasked,“Doyouwishtoconfess?”
“No!”Thedefiancehadreturnedtotheprisonerspiggyeyesnow.Hestared
back, silent and watchful, and sucked. Surprising. Very surprising. But then
we’rejustgettingstarted.
“Isthattoothbotheringyou,Rews?”TherewasnothingGloktadidn’tknow
aboutteeth.Hisownmouthhadbeenworkedonbytheverybest.Or thevery
worst,dependingonhowyoulookatit.“ItseemsthatImustleaveyounow,but
while I’m away, I’ll be thinking about that tooth. I’ll be considering very
carefully what to do with it.” He took hold of his cane. “I want you to think
about me, thinking about your tooth. And I also want you to think, very
carefully,aboutsigningyourconfession.”
Gloktagotawkwardlytohisfeet,shakingouthisachingleg.“Ithinkyoumay
respondwelltoastraightforwardbeatinghowever,soI’mgoingtoleaveyouin
thecompanyofPracticalFrostforhalfanhour.”Rews’mouthbecameasilent
circleofsurprise.Thealbinopickedupthechair,fatmanandall,andturnedit
slowlyaround.“He’sabsolutelythebestthereisatthiskindofthing.”Frosttook
outapairofbatteredleatherglovesandbegantopullthemcarefullyontohisbig
whitehands,onefingeratatime.“Youalwaysdidliketohavetheverybestof
everything,eh,Rews?”Gloktamadeforthedoor.
“Wait!Glokta!”wailedRewsoverhisshoulder.“WaitI—”
Practical Frost clamped a gloved hand over the fat man’s mouth and held a
fingertohismask.“Thhhhhhh,”hesaid.Thedoorclickedshut.
Severardwasleaningagainstthewallinthecorridor,onefootproppedonthe
plaster behind him, whistling tunelessly beneath his mask and running a hand
throughhislong,lankyhair.AsGloktacamethroughthedoorhestraightenedup
and gave a little bow, and it was plain by his eyes that he was smiling. He’s
alwayssmiling.
“Superior Kalyne wants to see you,” he said in his broad, common accent,
“andI’moftheopinionthatIneversawhimangrier.”
“Severard,youpoorthing,youmustbeterrified.Doyouhavethebox?”
“Ido.”
“AndyoutooksomethingoutforFrost?”
“Idid.”
“Andsomethingforyourwifetoo,Ihope?”
“Ohyes,”saidSeverard,hiseyes smilingmorethanever,“Mywifewillbe
welltakencareof.IfIevergetone.”
“Good.IhastentoanswerthecalloftheSuperior.WhenIhavebeenwithhim
forfiveminutes,comeinwiththebox.”
“Justbargeintohisoffice?”
“BargeinandstabhiminthefaceforallIcare.”
“I’dconsiderthatdone,Inquisitor.”
Glokta nodded, turned away, then turned back. “Don’t really stab him, eh,
Severard?”
The Practical smiled with his eyes and sheathed his vicious-looking knife.
Gloktarolledhiseyesuptotheceiling,thenlimpedoff,hiscanetappingonthe
tiles,hislegthrobbing.Click,tap,pain.Thatwastherhythmofhiswalking.
The Superiors office was a large and richly appointed room high up in the
HouseofQuestions,aroominwhicheverythingwastoobigandtoofancy.A
huge,intricatewindowdominatedonewood-panelledwall,offeringaviewover
thewell-tendedgardensinthecourtyardbelow.Anequallyhugeandornatedesk
stoodinthecentreofarichlycolouredcarpetfromsomewherewarmandexotic.
The head of a fierce animal from somewhere cold and exotic was mounted
aboveamagnificentstonefireplacewithatiny,meanfireclosetoburningout
inside.
SuperiorKalynehimself made his officelook small anddrab.A vast, florid
man in his late fifties, he had over-compensated for his thinning hair with
magnificent white side whiskers. He was considered a daunting presence even
withintheInquisition,butGloktawaspastscaring,andtheybothknewit.
Therewasabig,fancychairbehindthedesk,buttheSuperiorwaspacingup
anddownwhilehescreamed,hisarmswaving.Gloktawasseatedonsomething
which, while doubtless expensive, had clearly been designed to make its
occupant as uncomfortable as possible. It doesn’t bother me much, though.
UncomfortableisasgoodasIeverget.
He amused himself with the thought of Kalyne’s head mounted above the
fireplaceinsteadofthatfierceanimal’s,whilethe Superiorranted athim. He’s
everybitlikehisfireplace,thebigdolt.Looksimpressive,butthere’snotmuch
goingonunderneath.Iwonderhowhe’drespondtoaninterrogation?I’dstart
withthoseridiculoussidewhiskers. ButGlokta’s face was a maskofattention
andrespect.
“Wellyou’veoutdoneyourselfthistime,Glokta,youmadcripple!Whenthe
Mercersfindoutaboutthisthey’llhaveyouflayed!”
“I’ve tried flaying, it tickles.” Damn it, keep your mouth shut and smile.
Where’sthatwhistlingfoolSeverard?I’llhavehimflayedwhenIgetoutofhere.
“Ohyes,that’sgood,that’sverygood,Glokta,lookatmelaugh!Andevasion
of the King’s taxes?” The Superior glowered down, whiskers bristling. “The
King’s taxes?” he screamed, spraying Glokta with spit. “They’re all at it! The
Mercers,theSpicers,allofthem!Everydamnfoolwithaboat!”
“Butthiswassoopen,Superior.Itwasaninsulttous.Ifeltwehadto—”
“You felt?” Kalyne was red-faced and vibrating with rage. “You were
explicitly told to keep away from the Mercers, away from the Spicers, away
fromallthebigguilds!”Hestrodeupanddownwithevergreaterspeed.You’ll
wearyourcarpetoutatthisrate.Thebigguildswillhavetobuyyouanewone.
“Youfelt,didyou?Wellhe’llhavetogoback!We’llhavetoreleasehimand
you’ll have to feel your way to a grovelling apology! It’s a damn disgrace!
You’vemademelookridiculous!Whereishenow?”
“IlefthiminthecompanyofPracticalFrost.”
“With that mumbling animal?” The Superior tore at his hair in desperation.
“Wellthat’sitthen,isn’tit?He’llbearuinnow!Wecan’tsendhimbackinthat
condition!You’refinishedhere,Glokta!Finished!I’mgoingstraighttotheArch
Lector!StraighttotheArchLector!”
ThehugedoorwaskickedopenandSeverardsaunteredincarryingawooden
box.Andnotamomenttoosoon.TheSuperiorstared,speechless,open-mouthed
withwrath,asSeverarddroppeditonthedeskwithathumpandajingle.
“Whatthehellisthemeaningof…”Severardpulledopenthelid,andKalyne
saw the money. All that lovely money. He stopped in mid-rant, mouth stuck
forming the next sound. He looked surprised, then he looked puzzled, then he
lookedcautious.Hepursedhislipsandslowlysatdown.
“Thank you, Practical Severard,” said Glokta. “You may go.” The Superior
wasstrokingthoughtfullyathissidewhiskersasSeverardstrolledout,hisface
returning gradually to its usual shade of pink. “Confiscated from Rews. The
propertyoftheCrownnow,ofcourse.IthoughtthatIshouldgiveittoyou,as
mydirectsuperior,sothatyoucouldpassitontotheTreasury.”Orbuyabigger
desk,youleech.
Glokta leaned forward, hands on his knees. “You could say, perhaps, that
Rews went too far, that questions had been asked, that an example had to be
made.Wecan’tbeseentodonothing,afterall.It’llmakethebigguildsnervous,
keeptheminline.”It’llmakethemnervousandyoucanscrewmoreoutofthem.
“OryoucouldalwaystellthemthatI’mamadcripple,andblamemeforit.”
TheSuperiorwasstartingtolikeitnow,Gloktacouldtell.Hewastryingnot
to show it, but his whiskers were quivering at the sight of all that money.
“Alright,Glokta.Alright.Verywell.”Hereachedoutandcarefullyshutthelid
ofthebox.“Butifyoueverthinkofdoingsomethinglikethisagain…talktome
first,wouldyou?Idon’tlikesurprises.”
Glokta struggled to his feet, limped towards the door. “Oh, and one more
thing!”Heturnedstifflyback.Kalynewasstaringathimseverelyfrombeneath
his big, fancy brows. “When I go to see the Mercers, I’ll need to take Rews’
confession.”
Glokta smiled broadly, showing the yawning gap in his front teeth. “That
shouldn’tbeaproblem,Superior.”
Kalynehadbeenright.TherewasnowaythatRewscouldhavegonebackin
this condition. His lips were split and bloody, his sides covered in darkening
bruises,hisheadlolledsideways,faceswollenalmostpastrecognition.Inshort,
helookslikeamanreadytoconfess.
“I don’t imagine you enjoyed the last half hour, Rews, I don’t imagine you
enjoyeditmuchatall.Perhapsitwastheworsthalfhourofyourlife,Ireally
couldn’tsay.I’mthinkingaboutwhatwehaveforyouhere,though,andthesad
fact is… that’s about as good as it gets. That’s the high life.” Glokta leaned
forward, his lace just inches from the bloody pulp of Rews’ nose. “Practical
Frost’s a little girl compared to me,” he whispered. “He’s a kitten. Once I get
startedwithyou,Rews,you’llbelookingbackonthiswithnostalgia.You’llbe
begging me to give you half an hour with the Practical. Do you understand?”
Rewswassilent,exceptfortheairwhistlingthroughhisbrokennose.
“Showhimtheinstruments,”whisperedGlokta.
Froststeppedforwardandopenedthepolishedcasewithatheatricalflourish.
Itwasamasterfulpieceofcraftsmanship.Asthelidwaspulledback,themany
traysinsideliftedandfannedout,displayingGlokta’stoolsinalltheirgruesome
glory.Therewereblades of every size and shape, needlescurvedandstraight,
bottles of oil and acid, nails and screws, clamps and pliers, saws, hammers,
chisels.Metal, wood andglassglittered inthebright lamplight,all polished to
mirror brightness and honed to a murderous sharpness. A big purple swelling
under Rews’ left eye had closed it completely, but the other darted over the
instruments:terrified,fascinated.Thefunctionsofsomewerehorriblyobvious,
thefunctionsofotherswerehorriblyobscure.Whichscarehimmore,Iwonder?
“We were talking about your tooth, I think,” murmured Glokta. Rews’ eye
flickeduptolookathim.“Orwouldyouliketoconfess?”Ihavehim,herehe
comes.Confess,confess,confess,confess…
Therewasasharpknockatthedoor.Damnitagain!Frostopeneditacrack
andtherewasabriefwhispering.Rewslickedathisbloatedlip.Thedoorshut,
thealbinoleanedtowhisperinGlokta’sear.
“Iththe Arth Ector.” Gloktafroze.The money was not enough. While I was
shufflingbackfromKalyne’soffice,theoldbastardwasreportingmetotheArch
Lector.AmIfinishedthen?Hefeltaguiltythrillatthethought.Well,I’llseeto
thisfatpigfirst.
“TellSeverardI’monmyway.”Gloktaturnedbacktotalktohisprisoner,but
Frostputabigwhitehandonhisshoulder.
“O.TheArthEctor,”Frostpointedtothedoor,“he’there.Ow.”
Here? Glokta could feel his eyelid twitching. Why? He pushed himself up
usingtheedgeofthetable.Willtheyfindmeinthecanaltomorrow?Deadand
bloated,far…farbeyondrecognition?Theonlyemotionthathefeltattheidea
wasaflutterofmildrelief.Nomorestairs.
The Arch Lector of His Majesty’s Inquisition was standing outside in the
corridor. The grimy walls looked almost brown behind him, so brilliantly
spotlesswerehislongwhitecoat,hiswhitegloves,hisshockofwhitehair.He
waspastsixty,butshowednoneoftheinfirmityofage.Everytall,clean-shaven,
fine-bonedinchofhimwasimmaculatelyturnedout.Helookslikeamanwho
hasneveronceinhislifebeensurprisedbyanything.
They had met once before, six years earlier when Glokta joined the
Inquisition,andhehardlyseemedtohavechanged.ArchLectorSult.Oneofthe
mostpowerful men inthe Union. One of the most powerful men in the world,
cometothat.Behindhim,almostlikeoutsizedshadows,loomedtwoenormous,
silent,black-maskedPracticals.
TheArchLectorgaveathinsmilewhenhesawGloktashuffleoutofhisdoor.
Itsaidalot,thatsmile.Mildscorn,mildpity,theveryslightesttouchofmenace.
Anything but amusement. “Inquisitor Glokta,” he said, holding out one white-
glovedhand,palmdown.Aringwithahugepurplestoneflashedonhisfinger.
“I serve and obey, your Eminence.” Glokta could not help grimacing as he
bent slowly forward to touch his lips to the ring. A difficult and painful
manoeuvre, it seemed to take forever. When he finally hoisted himself back
upright, Sult was gazing at him calmly with his cool blue eyes. A look that
impliedhealreadyunderstoodGloktacompletely,andwasunimpressed.
“Comewithme.”TheArchLectorturnedandsweptawaydownthecorridor.
Gloktalimpedalongafterhim,thesilentPracticalsmarchingclosebehind.Sult
movedwithaneffortless,languidconfidence,coattailsflappinggracefullyout
behindhim.Bastard. Soon they reached a door, much like his own. The Arch
Lectorunlockeditandwentinside,thePracticalstookuppositionseithersideof
thedoorway,armsfolded.Aprivateinterviewthen.OnewhichI,perhaps,will
neverleave.Gloktasteppedoverthethreshold.
Aboxofgrubbywhiteplastertoobrightlylitandwithaceilingtoolowfor
comfort.Ithadabigcrackinsteadofadamppatch,butwasotherwiseidentical
tohisownroom.Ithadthescarredtable,thecheapchairs,itevenhadapoorly
cleaned bloodstain. I wonder if they’re painted on, for the effect? One of the
Practicalssuddenlypulledthedoorshutwithaloudbang.Gloktawasintended
tojump,buthecouldn’tbebothered.
Arch Lector Sult lowered himself gracefully into one of the seats, drew a
heavy sheaf of yellowing papers across the table towards him. He waved his
hand at the other chair, the one that would be used by the prisoner. The
implicationswerenotlostonGlokta.
“Iprefertostand,yourEminence.”
Sult smiled at him. He had lovely, pointy teeth, all shiny white. “No, you
don’t.”
Hehasmethere.Gloktaloweredhimselfungracefullyintotheprisonerschair
while the Arch Lector turned over the first page of his wedge of documents,
frownedandshookhisheadgentlyasthoughhorriblydisappointedbywhathe
saw.Thedetailsofmyillustriouscareer,perhaps?
“IhadavisitfromSuperiorKalynenotlongago.Hewasmostupset.”Sult’s
hardblueeyescameupfromhispapers.“Upsetwithyou,Glokta.Hewasquite
vocalonthesubject.Hetoldmethatyouareanuncontrollablemenace,thatyou
act without a thought for the consequences, that you are a mad cripple. He
demandedthatyouberemovedfromhisdepartment.”TheArchLectorsmiled,a
cold,nastysmile,thekindGloktausedonhisprisoners.Butwithmoreteeth.“I
thinkhehaditinmindthatyouberemoved…altogether.”Theystaredateach
otheracrossthetable.
IsthiswhereI beg for mercy? Is this where I crawlonthegroundandkiss
yourfeet?Well,Idon’tcareenoughtobegandI’mfartoostifftocrawl.Your
Practicals will have to kill me sitting down. Cut my throat. Bash my head in.
Whatever.Aslongastheygetonwithit.
ButSultwasinnorush.Thewhite-glovedhandsmovedneatly,precisely,the
pages hissed and crackled. “We have few men like you in the Inquisition,
Glokta. A nobleman, from an excellent family. A champion swordsman, a
dashingcavalryofficer.Amanoncegroomedfortheverytop.”Sultlookedhim
upanddownasthoughhecouldhardlybelieveit.
“Thatwasbeforethewar,ArchLector.”
“Obviously.Therewasmuchdismayatyourcapture,andlittlehopethatyou
would be returned alive. As the war dragged on and the months passed, hope
diminishedto nothing,butwhen the treatywassigned, youwereamong those
prisoners returned to the Union.” He peered at Glokta through narrowed eyes.
“Didyoutalk?”
Glokta couldn’t help himself, he spluttered with shrill laughter. It echoed
strangelyinthecoldroom.Notasoundyouoftenhearddownhere.“DidItalk?
I talked until my throat was raw. I told them everything I could think of. I
screamedevery secret I’d everheard.I babbled likeafool. When I ranoutof
things to tell them I made things up. I pissed myself and cried like a girl.
Everyonedoes.”
“Butnoteveryonesurvives.TwoyearsintheEmperorsprisons.Nooneelse
lastedhalfthatlong.Thephysiciansweresureyouwouldneverleaveyourbed
again, but a year later you made your application to the Inquisition.” Weboth
knowit.Wewereboththere.Whatdoyouwantfromme,andwhynotgetonwith
it?Isupposesomemenjustlovethesoundoftheirownvoices.
“Iwastoldthatyouwerecrippled,thatyouwerebroken,thatyoucouldnever
be mended, that you could never be trusted. But I was inclined to give you a
chance. Some fool wins the Contest every year, and wars produce many
promising soldiers, but your achievement in surviving those two years was
unique. So you were sent to the North, and put in charge of one of our mines
there.WhatdidyoumakeofAngland?”
Afilthysinkofviolenceandcorruption.Aprisonwherewehavemadeslaves
oftheinnocentandguiltyalikeinthenameoffreedom.Astinkingholewherewe
sendthosewehateandthoseweareashamedoftodieofhunger,anddisease,
andhardlabour.“Itwascold,”saidGlokta.
“Andsowereyou.YoumadefewfriendsinAngland.Preciousfewamongthe
Inquisition,andnoneamongtheexiles.”Hepluckedatatteredletterfromamong
thepapersandcastacriticaleyeoverit.“SuperiorGoyletoldmethatyouwere
a cold fish, had no blood in you at all. He thought you’d never amount to
anything,thathecouldmakenouseofyou.”Goyle.Thatbastard.Thatbutcher.
I’dratherhavenobloodthannobrains.
“Butafterthreeyears,productionwasup.Itwasdoubledinfact.Soyouwere
brought back to Adua, to work under Superior Kalyne. I thought perhaps you
wouldlearndisciplinewithhim,butitseemsIwaswrong.Youinsistongoing
yourownway.”TheArchLectorfrownedupathim.“Tobefrank,Ithinkthat
Kalyneisafraidofyou.Ithinktheyallare.Theydon’tlikeyourarrogance,they
don’tlikeyourmethods,theydon’tlikeyour…specialinsightintoourwork.”
“Andwhatdoyouthink,ArchLector?”
“Honestly? I’m not sure I like your methods much either, and I doubt that
your arrogance is entirely deserved. But I like your results. I like your results
verymuch.”Heslappedthebundleofpapersclosedandrestedonehandontop
of it, leaning across the table towards Glokta. As I might lean towards my
prisonerswhenIaskthemtoconfess.“Ihaveataskforyou.Ataskthatshould
makebetteruseofyourtalentsthanchasingaroundafterpettysmugglers.Atask
thatmayallowyoutoredeemyourselfintheeyesoftheInquisition.”TheArch
Lectorpausedforalongmoment.“IwantyoutoarrestSeppdanTeufel.”
Gloktafrowned.Teufel?“TheMasteroftheMints,yourEminence?”
“Theverysame.”
TheMasteroftheRoyalMints.Animportantmanfromanimportantfamily.A
verybigfish,tobehookedinmylittletank.Afishwithpowerfulfriends.Itcould
bedangerous,arrestingamanlikethat.Itcouldbefatal.“MayIaskwhy?”
“Youmaynot.Letmeworryaboutthewhys.Youconcentrateonobtaininga
confession.”
“Aconfessiontowhat,ArchLector?”
“Why,tocorruptionand high treason! Itseemsourfriend the Master of the
Mintshasbeenmostindiscreetinsomeofhispersonaldealings.Itseemshehas
beentakingbribes,conspiringwiththeGuildofMercerstodefraudtheKing.As
such, it would be very useful if a ranking Mercer were to name him, in some
unfortunateconnection.”
It can hardly be a coincidence that I have a ranking Mercer in my
interrogation room, even as we speak. Glokta shrugged. “Once people start
talking,it’sshockingthenamesthattumbleout.”
“Good.” The Arch Lector waved his hand. “You may go, Inquisitor. I will
comeforTeufel’sconfessionthistimetomorrow.Youhadbetterhaveit.”
Gloktabreathedslowlyashelabouredbackalongthecorridor.
Breathin,breathout.Calm.Hehadnotexpectedtoleavethatroomalive.And
now I find myself moving in powerful circles. A personal task for the Arch
Lector, squeezing a confession to high treason from one of the Unions most
trusted officials. The most powerful of circles, but for how long? Why me?
Becauseofmyresults?OrbecauseIwon’tbemissed?
“I apologise for all the interruptions today, really I do, it’s like a brothel in
herewithallthecomingandgoing.”Rewstwistedhiscrackedandswollenlips
intoasad smile.Smilingata time likethis, he’s amarvel.But allthingsmust
end. “Let us be honest, Rews. No one is coming to help you. Not today, not
tomorrow,notever.Youwillconfess.Theonlychoicesyouhavearewhen,and
thestateyou’llbeinwhenyoudo.There’sreallynothingtobegainedbyputting
itoff.Exceptpain.We’vegotlotsofthatforyou.”
It was hard to read the expression on Rews’ bloody face, but his shoulders
sagged. He dipped the pen in the ink with a trembling hand, wrote his name,
slightlyslanted,acrossthebottomofthepaperofconfession.Iwinagain.Does
myleghurtanyless?DoIhavemyteethback?Hasithelpedmetodestroythis
man,whoIoncecalledafriend?ThenwhydoIdothis?Thescratchingofthe
nibonthepaperwastheonlyreply.
“Excellent,”saidGlokta.PracticalFrostturnedthedocumentover.“Andthis
is the list of your accomplices?” He let his eye scan lazily over the names. A
handfulofjuniorMercers,threeship’scaptains,anofficerofthecity watch,a
pairofminorcustomsofficials.Atediousrecipeindeed.Letusseeifwecanadd
somespice. Glokta turneditaroundand pushed it back across the table.“Add
SeppdanTeufel’snametothelist,Rews.”
The fat man looked confused. “The Master of the Mints?” he mumbled,
throughhisthicklips.
“That’stheone.”
“ButInevermettheman.”
“So?”snappedGlokta.“DoasItellyou.”Rewspaused,mouthalittleopen.
“Write,youfatpig.”PracticalFrostcrackedhisknuckles.
Rews licked his lips. “Sepp… dan… Teufel,” he mumbled to himself as he
wrote.
“Excellent.” Glokta carefully shut the lid on his horrible, beautiful
instruments.“I’mgladforbothoursakesthatwewon’tbeneedingthesetoday.”
Frostsnappedthemanaclesshutontheprisonerswristsanddraggedhimto
hisfeet, started to marchhimtoward the dooratthe back of theroom.“What
now?”shoutedRewsoverhisshoulder.
“Angland,Rews,Angland.Don’tforgettopacksomethingwarm.”Thedoor
crackedshutbehindhim.Gloktalookedatthelistofnamesinhishands.Sepp
danTeufel’ssatatthebottom.Onename.Onthefaceofit,justliketheothers.
Teufel.Justonemorename.Butsuchaperilousone.
Severardwaswaitingoutsideinthecorridor,smilingasalways.“ShallIput
thefatmaninthecanal?”
“No,Severard.PuthiminthenextboattoAngland.”
“You’reinamercifulmoodtoday,Inquisitor.”
Gloktasnorted.“Mercywouldbethecanal.Thatswinewon’tlastsixweeks
intheNorth.Forgethim.WehavetoarrestSeppdanTeufeltonight.”
Severard’seyebrowsrose.“NottheMasteroftheMints?”
“Noneother.OntheexpressordersofhisEminencetheArchLector.Itseems
he’sbeentakingmoneyfromtheMercers.”
“Oh,forshame.”
“We’llleaveassoonasitgetsdark.TellFrosttobeready.”
ThethinPracticalnodded,hislonghairswaying.Gloktaturnedandhobbled
upthecorridor,canetappingonthegrimytiles,leftlegburning.
WhydoIdothis?Heaskedhimselfagain.
WhydoIdothis?
NoChoiceatAll
Logenwokewithapainfuljolt.Hewaslyingawkwardly,headtwistedagainst
somethinghard,kneesdrawnuptowardshischest.Heopenedhiseyesableary
crack. It was dark, but there was a faint glow coming from somewhere. Light
throughsnow.
Panicstabbedathim.Heknewwherehewasnow.He’dpiledsomesnowin
theentrance to thetinycave, totryand keep inthewarmth, such asitwas. It
musthavesnowedwhilehewassleeping,andsealedhimin.Ifthefallhadbeen
aheavyonetherecouldbealotofsnowoutthere.Driftsdeeperthanamanwas
tall.He might nevergetout. He couldhaveclimbed all thewayup out ofthe
highvalleysjusttodieinaholeintherock,toocrampedforhimtoevenstretch
outhislegs.
Logen twisted round in the narrow space as best he could, dug away at the
snowwithhisnumbhands,flounderingatit,grapplingwithit,hackingthrough
it, mouthing breathless curses to himself. Light spilled in suddenly, searing
bright. He shoved the last of the snow out of the way and dragged himself
throughintotheopenair.
Theskywasabrilliantblue,thesunwasblazingoverhead.Heturnedhisface
towardsit,closedhisstingingeyesandletthelightwashoverhim.Theairwas
painfulcoldinhisthroat.Cuttingcold.Hismouthwasdryasdust,histonguea
pieceofwood,badlycarved.Hescoopedupsnowandshoveditintohismouth.
Itmelted,heswallowed.Cold,itmadehisheadhurt.
Therewasagraveyardstinkcomingfromsomewhere.Notjusthisowndamp
andsoursweatsmell,thoughthatwasbadenough.Itwastheblanket,startingto
rot.Hehadtwopiecesofitwrappedroundhishandslikemittens,tiedroundhis
wristswithtwine,anotherroundhishead,likeadirty,foul-smellinghood.His
bootswerestuffedtightwithit.Therestwaswrappedroundandroundhisbody,
underhiscoat.Itsmelledbad,butithadsavedhislifelastnight,andthatwasa
good trade to Logen’s mind. It would stink a good deal more before he could
affordtogetridofit.
Heflounderedtohisfeetandstaredabout.Anarrowvalley,steepsidedand
chokedwithsnow.Threegreatpeakssurroundedit,pilesofdarkgreystoneand
whitesnowagainstthebluesky.Heknewthem.Oldfriends,infact.Theonly
oneshehadleft.HewasupintheHighPlaces.Theroofoftheworld.Hewas
safe.
“Safe,” he croaked to himself, but without much joy. Safe from food,
certainly.Safefromwarmth,withoutadoubt.Neitherofthosethingswouldbe
troublinghimuphere.He’descapedtheShanka,maybe,butthiswasaplacefor
thedead,andifhestayedhe’dbejoiningthem.
Hewasbrutalhungryasitwas.Hisbellywasagreat,painfulholethatcalled
tohimwithpiercingcries.Hefumbledinhispackforthelaststripofmeat.An
old,brown, greasy thing likeadry twig. Thatwouldhardly fill thegap,butit
wasallhehad.Hetoreatitwithhisteeth,toughasoldbootleather,andchoked
itdownwithsomesnow.
Logenshieldedhiseyeswithhisarmandlookednorthwarddownthevalley,
thewayhe’dcomethedaybefore.Thegrounddroppedslowlyaway,snowand
rockgivingwaytothepine-coveredfellsofthehighvalleys,treesgivingwayto
acrinkled stripofgrazing land,grassyhills givingway to thesea, a sparkling
lineonthefarhorizon.Home.ThethoughtofitmadeLogenfeelsick.
Home.Thatwaswherehisfamilywas.Hisfather—wiseandstrong,agood
man, a good leader to his people. His wife, his children. They were a good
family.Theydeservedabetterson,abetterhusband,abetterfather.Hisfriends
werethere too. Old andnewtogether.It would be goodtosee them allagain,
verygood.Tospeaktohisfatherinthelonghall.Toplaywithhischildren,tosit
withhiswifeby the river.To talk of tactics with Threetrees.Tohuntwiththe
Dogmaninthehighvalleys,crashingthroughtheforestwithaspear,laughing
likeafool.
Logen felt a sudden painful longing. He nearly choked on the pain of it.
Troublewas,theywerealldead.Thehallwasaringofblacksplinters,theriver
asewer.He’dneverforgetcomingoverthehill,seeingtheburnt-outruininthe
valleybelow.Crawlingthroughtheashes,fumblingforsignsthatsomeonegot
away, while the Dogman pulled at his shoulder and told him to give it up.
Nothingbutcorpses,rottedpastknowing.Hewasdonelookingforsigns.They
wereall dead as theShankacould make them,andthat was dead forsure.He
spat in the snow, brown spit from the dry meat. Dead and cold and rotted, or
burnedtoashes.Gonebacktothemud.
Logensethisjawandclenchedhisfistsundertherottenshredsofblanket.He
couldgobacktotheruinsofthevillagebythesea,justonelasttime.Hecould
chargedownwithafightingroarinhisthroat,thewayhehaddoneatCarleon,
whenhe’dlostafingerandwonareputation.HecouldputafewShankaoutof
the world. Split them like he’d split Shama Heartless, shoulder to guts so his
insidesfellout.Hecouldgetvengeanceforhisfather,hiswife,hischildren,his
friends.ThatwouldbeafittingendfortheonetheycalledtheBloody-Nine.To
diekilling.Thatmightbeasongworththesinging.
ButatCarleonhe’dbeenyoungandstrong,andwithhisfriendsbehindhim.
Now he was weak, and hungry, and alone as could be. He’d killed Shama
Heartlesswithalongsword,sharpasanything.Helookeddownathisknife.It
mightbeagoodone,buthe’dgetpreciouslittlevengeancewithit.Andwho’d
sing the song anyway? The Shanka had poor singing voices and worse
imaginations, if they even recognised the stinking beggar in the blanket after
they’dshothimfullofarrows.Perhapsthevengeancecouldwait,atleastuntil
hehadabiggerbladetoworkwith.Youhavetoberealistic,afterall.
Souththen,andbecomeawanderer.Therewasalwaysworkforamanwith
his skills. Hard work perhaps, and dark, but work all the same. There was an
appealinit,hehadtoadmit.Tohavenoonedependingonhimbuthimself,for
hisdecisionstoholdnoimportance,fornoone’slifeordeathtobeinhishands.
Hehadenemiesinthesouth,thatwasafact.ButtheBloody-Ninehaddealtwith
enemiesbefore.
Hespatagain.Nowthathehadsomespithethoughthemightmakethemost
of it. It was about all he did have—spit, an old pot, and some stinking bits of
blanket.Deadinthenorthoraliveinthesouth.Thatwaswhatitcamedownto,
andthatwasnochoiceatall.
Youcarryon.That’swhathe’dalwaysdone.That’sthetaskthatcomeswith
surviving, whether you deserve to live or not. You remember the dead as best
you can. You say some words for them. Then you carry on, and you hope for
better.
Logen took in a long, cold breath, and blew it out. “Fare you well, my
friends,” he muttered. “Fare you well.” Then he threw his pack over his
shoulder, turned, and began to flounder through the deep snow. Downwards,
southwards,outofthemountains.
Itwasraining,still.Asoftrainthatcoatedeverythingincolddew,collected
onthebranches,ontheleaves,ontheneedles,anddrippedoffingreatfatdrops
thatsoakedthroughLogen’swetclothesandontohiswetskin.
Hesquatted,stillandsilent,inthedampbrush,waterrunningdownhisface,
thebrightbladeofhisknifeglisteningwithwet.Hefeltthegreatmotionofthe
forestandheardallitsthousandsounds.Thecountlesscrawlingoftheinsects,
theblindscuttlingofthemoles,thetimidrustlingofthedeer,theslowpulsingof
thesapintheoldtreetrunks.Eachthingaliveintheforestwasinsearchofits
ownkindoffood,andhewasthesame.Helethismindsettleonananimalclose
tohim,movingcautiouslythroughthewoodstohisright.Delicious.Theforest
grewsilentbutfortheendlessdrippingofwaterfromthebranches.Theworld
shrankdowntoLogenandhisnextmeal.
Whenhereckoneditwascloseenough,hesprangforwardandboreitdown
onto the wet ground. A young deer. It kicked and struggled but he was strong
andquick,andhestabbedhisknifeintoitsneckandchoppedthethroatout.Hot
blood surged from the wound, spilled out across Logen’s hands, onto the wet
earth.
Hepickedupthecarcassandslungitoverhisshoulders.Thatwouldbegood
inastew,maybewithsomemushrooms.Verygood.Then,oncehe’deaten,he
would ask the spirits for guidance. Their guidance was pretty useless, but the
companywouldbewelcome.
Whenhereachedhiscampitwasclosetosunset.Itwasadwellingfitfora
heroofLogen’sstature—twobigsticksholdingaloadofdampbranchesovera
hollowinthedirt.Still,itwashalfwaydryinthere,andtherainhadstopped.He
wouldhaveafiretonight.Itwasalongtimesincehe’dhadatreatlikethat.A
fire,andallhisown.
Later,wellfedandrested,Logenpressedalumpofchaggaintohispipe.He’d
founditgrowingafewdaysbeforeatthebaseofatree,bigmoistyellowdiscs
ofit.He’dbrokenoffagoodchunkforhimself,butithadn’tdriedoutenoughto
smokeuntiltoday.Nowhetookaburningtwigfromthefireandstuckitinthe
bowl,puffingawayharduntilthefunguscaughtandbegantoburn,givingoffits
familiarearthy-sweetsmell.
Logen coughed, blew out brown smoke and stared into the shifting flames.
Hismindwentbacktoothertimesandothercampfires.TheDogmanwasthere,
grinning,thelightgleamingonhispointyteeth.TulDuruwassittingopposite,
big as a mountain, laughing like thunder. Forley the Weakest too, with those
nervouseyesdartingaround,alwaysalittlescared.RuddThreetreeswasthere,
and Harding Grim, saying nothing. He never did say anything. That was why
theycalledhimGrim.
Theywereallthere.Onlytheyweren’t.Theywerealldead,gonebacktothe
mud.Logentappedthepipeoutintothefireandshoveditaway.Hehadnotaste
foritnow.Hisfatherhadbeenright.Youshouldneversmokealone.
Heunscrewedthecapofthebatteredflask,tookamouthful,andblewitoutin
asprayoftinydrops.Agoutofflamewentupintothecoldair.Logenwipedhis
lips,savouringthehot,bittertaste.Thenhesatbackagainsttheknottedtrunkof
apine,andwaited.
Itwasawhilebeforetheycame.Threeofthem.Theycamesilentlyfromthe
dancingshadowsamongthetreesandmadeslowlyforthefire,takingshapeas
theymovedintothelight.
“Ninefingers,”saidthefirst.
“Ninefingers,”thesecond.
“Ninefingers,”thethird,voiceslikethethousandsoundsoftheforest.
“You’rerightwelcometomyfire,”saidLogen.Thespiritssquattedandstared
athimwithoutexpression.“Onlythreetonight?”
The one on the right spoke first. “Every year fewer of us wake from the
winter.Weareallthatremain.Afewmorewinterswillpass,andwewillsleep
also.Therewillbenoneofuslefttoansweryourcall.”
Logennoddedsadly.“Anynewsfromtheworld?”
“We heardaman felloffa cliffbutwashed upalive,then crossedtheHigh
Placesatthestartofspring,wrappedinarottenblanket,butweputnofaithin
suchrumours.”
“Verywise.”
“Bethodhasbeenmakingwar,”saidthespiritinthecentre.
Logenfrowned.“Bethodisalwaysmakingwar.That’swhathedoes.”
“Yes.Hehaswonsomanyfightsnow,withyourhelp,hehasgivenhimselfa
goldenhat.”
“Shitonthatbastard,”saidLogen,spittingintothefire.“Whatelse?”
“Northofthemountains,theShankarunaroundandburnthings.”
“Theylovethefire,”saidthespiritinthecentre.
“Theydo,”saidtheoneontheleft,“evenmorethanyourkind,Ninefingers.
They love and fear it.” The spirit leaned forwards. “We heard there is a man
seekingforyouinthemoorstothesouth.”
“Apowerfulman,”saidtheoneinthecentre.
“AMagusoftheOldTime,”theoneontheleft.
Logenfrowned.He’dheardoftheseMagi.Hemetasorcereronce,buthe’d
beeneasytokill.Nounnaturalpowersinparticular,notthatLogenhadnoticed.
ButaMaguswassomethingelse.
“We heard that the Magi are wise and strong,” said the spirit in the centre,
“andthatsuchaonecouldtakeamanfarandshowhimmanythings.Butthey
arecraftytoo,andhavetheirownpurposes.”
“Whatdoeshewant?”
“Askhim.”Spiritscaredlittleforthebusinessofmen,theywerealwaysweak
onthedetails.Still,thiswasbetterthantheusualtalkabouttrees.
“Whatwillyoudo,Ninefingers?”
Logen considered a moment. “I will go south and find this Magus, and ask
himwhathewantsfromme.”
Thespiritsnodded.Theydidn’tshowwhethertheythoughtitwasagoodidea
orbad.Theydidn’tcare.
“Farewellthen,Ninefingers,”saidthespiritontheright,“perhapsforthelast
time.”
“I’lltrytostruggleonwithoutyou.”
Logen’switwaswastedon them.Theyroseand movedaway fromthe fire,
fadinggraduallyintothedarkness.Soontheyweregone,butLogenhadtoadmit
theyhadbeenmoreusethanhedaredtohope.Theyhadgivenhimapurpose.
Hewould head southin the morning,head south andfindthis Magus.Who
knew?Hemightbeagoodtalker.Hadtobebetterthanbeingshotfullofarrows
fornothing,atleast.Logenlookedintotheflames,noddingslowlytohimself.
Herememberedothertimesandothercampfires,whenhehadnotbeenalone.
PlayingWithKnives
Itwas a beautifulspring day inAdua, and thesunshone pleasantlythrough
the branches of the aromatic cedar, casting a dappled shade on the players
beneath. A pleasing breeze fluttered through the courtyard, so the cards were
clutchedtightlyorweighteddownwithglassesorcoins.Birdstwitteredfromthe
trees,andtheshearsofagardenerclackedacrossfromthefarsideofthelawn,
makingfaint,agreeableechoesagainstthetallwhitebuildingsofthequadrangle.
Whether or not the players found the large sum of money in the centre of the
tablepleasantdepended,ofcourse,onthecardstheyheld.
Captain Jezal dan Luthar certainly liked it. He had discovered an uncanny
talentforthegamesincehegainedhiscommissionintheKing’sOwn,atalent
which he had used to win large sums of money from his comrades. He didn’t
reallyneedthemoney,ofcourse,comingfromsuchawealthyfamily,butithad
allowed him to maintain an illusion of thrift while spending like a sailor.
WheneverJezalwenthome,hisfatherboredeveryoneonthesubjectofhisgood
fiscalplanning,andhadrewardedhimbybuyinghisCaptaincyjustsixmonths
ago.Hisbrothershadnotbeenhappy.Yes,themoneywascertainlyuseful,and
there’snothinghalfsoamusingashumiliatingone’sclosestfriends.
Jezal half sat, half lay back on his bench with one leg stretched out, and
allowedhiseyes to wander over theotherplayers. Major Westhad rocked his
chairsofarontoitsbacklegsthathelookedinimminentdangeroftippingover
entirely.Hewasholdinghisglassuptothesun,admiringthewaythatthelight
filteredthroughtheamberspiritinside.Hehadafaint,mysterioussmilewhich
seemedtosay,“Iamnotanobleman,andmaybeyoursocialinferior,butIwon
aContestandtheKing’sfavouronthebattlefieldandthatmakesmethebetter
man, so you children will damn well do as I say.” He was out of this hand
though,and,inJezal’sopinion,fartoocautiouswithhismoneyanyway.
Lieutenant Kaspa was sitting forward, frowning and scratching his sandy
beard, staring intently at his cards as though they were sums he didn’t
understand. He was a good-humoured young man but an oaf of a card player,
andwasalways mostappreciativewhenJezalboughthimdrinkswithhisown
money. Still, he could well afford to lose it: his father was one of the biggest
landownersintheUnion.
Jezalhadoftenobservedthattheeversoslightlystupidwillactmorestupidly
inclevercompany.Havinglostthe high ground already they scramble eagerly
forthepositionoflikeableidiot,stayoutofargumentstheywillonlylose,and
canhencebeeveryone’sfriend.Kaspa’slookofbaffledconcentrationseemedto
say, “I am not clever, but honest and likeable, which is much more important.
Cleverness is overrated. Oh, and I’m very, very rich, so everyone likes me
regardless.”
“Ibelieve I’llstaywith you,”saidKaspa, andtosseda smallstack of silver
coinsontothetable.Theybrokeand flashed in the sun with a cheerful jingle.
Jezal absently added up the total in his head. A new uniform perhaps? Kaspa
always got a little quivery when he really held good cards, and he was not
tremblingnow.Tosaythathewasbluffingwastogivehimfartoomuchcredit;
more likely he was simply bored with sitting out. Jezal had no doubt that he
wouldfolduplikeacheaptentonthenextroundofbetting.
Lieutenant Jalenhorm scowled and tossed his cards onto the able. “I’ve had
nothingbut shit today!” herumbled.Hesat back in hischairand hunched his
brawnyshoulderswithafrownthataid,“Iambigandmanly,andhaveaquick
temper,soIshouldbetreatedwithrespectbyeveryone.”Respectwasprecisely
whatJezalnevergavehimatthecardtable.Abadtempermightbeusefulina
fight, but it’s a liability where money is concerned, it was a shame his hand
hadn’t been a little better, or Jezal could’ve allied him out of half his pay.
Jalenhormdrainedhisglassandreachedforthebottle.
ThatjustleftBrint,theyoungestandpoorestofthegroup.Helickedhislips
withan expression atoncecareful and slightlydesperate,an expressionwhich
seemedto say, “I amnotyoung orpoor. I canafford to losethismoney. I am
everybitasimportantastherestofyou.”Hehadalotofmoneytoday;perhaps
his allowance had just come in. Perhaps that was all he had to live on for the
next couple of months. Jezal planned to take that money away from him and
wasteitallonwomenanddrink.Hehadtostophimselfgigglingatthethought.
He could giggle when he’d won the hand. Brint sat back and considered
carefully. He might be some time making his decision, so Jezal took his pipe
fromthetable.
He lit it at the lamp provided especially for that purpose and blew ragged
smokeringsupintothebranchesofthecedar.Hewasn’thalfasgoodatsmoking
ashewasatcards,unfortunately,andmostoftheringswerenomorethanugly
puffs of yellow-brown vapour. If he was being completely honest, he didn’t
reallyenjoysmoking.Itmadehimfeelabitsick,butitwasveryfashionableand
veryexpensive,andJezalwouldbedamnedifhewouldmissoutonsomething
fashionablejustbecausehedidn’tlikeit.Besides,hisfatherhadboughthima
beautifulivorypipethelasttimehewasinthecity,anditlookedverywellon
him.Hisbrothershadnotbeenhappyaboutthateither,cometothinkofit.
“I’min,”saidBrint.
Jezalswunghislegoffthebench.“ThenIraiseyouahundredmarksorso.”
Heshovedhiswholestackintothecentreofthetable.Westsuckedairthrough
histeeth.Acoinfellfromthetopofthepile,landedonitsedgeandrolledalong
thewood.Itdroppedtotheflagsbeneathwiththeunmistakeablesoundoffalling
money. The head of the gardener on the other side of the lawn snapped up
instinctively,beforehereturnedtohisclippingofthegrass.
Kaspa shoved his cards away as though they were burning his fingers and
shook his head. “Damn it but I’m an oaf of a card player,” he lamented, and
leanedbackagainsttheroughbrowntrunkofthetree.
Jezal stared straight at Lieutenant Brint, a slight smile on his face, giving
nothing away. “He’s bluffing,” rumbled Jalenhorm, “don’t let him push you
around,Brint.”
“Don’tdoit,Lieutenant,”saidWest,butJezalknewhewould.Hehadtolook
asifhecouldaffordtolose.Brintdidn’thesitate,hepushedallhisowncoinsin
withacarelessflourish.
“That’s a hundred, give or take.” Brint was trying his hardest to sound
masterful in front of the older officers, but his voice had a charming note of
hysteria.
“Good enough,” said Jezal, “we’re all friends here. What do you have,
Lieutenant?”
“Ihaveearth.”Brint’seyeshadaslightlyfeverishlooktothemasheshowed
hiscardstothegroup.
Jezal savoured the tense atmosphere. He frowned, shrugged, raised his
eyebrows. He scratched his head thoughtfully. He watched Brint’s expression
change as he changed his own. Hope, despair, hope, despair. At length Jezal
spreadhiscardsoutonthetable.“Ohlook.Ihavesuns,again.”
Brint’s face was a picture. West gave a sigh and shook his head. Jalenhorm
frowned.“Iwassurehewasbluffing,”hesaid.
“Howdoeshedoit?”askedKaspa,flickingastraycoinacrossthetable.
Jezalshrugged.“It’s all abouttheplayers,and nothing about the cards.” He
begantoscoopuptheheapofsilverwhileBrint looked on, teeth gritted, face
pale. The money jingled into the bag with a pleasant sound. Pleasant to Jezal,
anyway. A coin dropped from the table and fell next to Brint’s boot. “You
couldn’t fetch that for me could you Lieutenant?” asked Jezal, with a syrupy
smile.
Brint stood up quickly, knocking into the table and making the coins and
glasses jump and rattle. “I’ve things to do,” he said in a thick voice, then
shouldered roughly past Jezal, barging him against the trunk of the tree, and
strode off toward the edge of the courtyard. He disappeared into the officers’
quarters,headdown.
“Did you see that?” Jezal was becoming ever more indignant with each
passingmoment.“Bargingmelikethat,it’sdamnimpolite!Andmehissuperior
officer as well! I’ve a good mind to put him on report!” A chorus of
disapprovingsounds greeted thismention of reports.“Well,he’s abadloser is
all!”
Jalenhormlookedsternlyoutfrombeneathhisbrows.“Youshouldn’tbitehim
sohard.Heisn’trich.Hecan’taffordtolose.”
“Well if he can’t afford to lose he shouldn’t play!” snapped Jezal, upset.
“Who’stheonetoldhimIwasbluffing?Youshouldkeepyourbigmouthshut!”
“He’snewhere,”saidWest,“hejustwantstofitin.Weren’tyounewonce?”
“Whatareyou,myfather?”Jezalrememberedbeingnewwithpainfulclarity,
andthementionofitmadehimfeeljustalittleashamed.
Kaspawavedhishand.“I’lllendhimsomemoney,don’tworry”
“Hewon’ttakeit,”saidJalenhorm.
“Well,that’shisbusiness.”Kaspaclosedhiseyesandturnedhisfaceuptothe
sun.“Hot.Winteristrulyover.Mustbegettingpastmidday.”
“Shit!” shouted Jezal, starting up and gathering his things. The gardener
pausedinhistrimmingofthelawnandlookedoveratthem.“Whydidn’tyou
saysomething,West?”
“WhatamI,yourfather?”askedtheMajor.Kaspasniggered.
“Lateagain,”saidJalenhorm,blowingouthischeeks.“TheLordMarshalwill
notbehappy!”
Jezalsnatcheduphisfencingsteelsandranforthefarsideofthelawn.Major
Westambledafterhim.“Comeon!”shoutedJezal.
“I’mrightbehindyou,Captain,”hesaid.“Rightbehindyou.”
“Jab,jab,Jezal,jab,jab!”barkedLordMarshalVaruz,whackinghimonthe
armwithhisstick.
“Ow,”yelpedJezal,andheftedthemetalbaragain.
“Iwanttoseethatrightarmmoving,Captain,dartinglikeasnake!Iwantto
beblindedbythespeedofthosehands!”
Jezalmadeacouplemoreclumsylungeswiththeunwieldylumpofiron.It
wasuttertorture.Hisfingers,hiswrist,hisforearm,hisshoulder,wereburning
withtheeffort.Hewassoakedtotheskinwithsweat;itflewfromhisfaceinbig
drops. Marshal Varuz flicked his feeble efforts away. “Now, cut! Cut with the
left!”
Jezalswungthebigsmith’shammerattheoldman’sheadwithallthestrength
inhisleftarm.Hecouldbarelyliftthedamnthingonagoodday.MarshalVaruz
steppedeffortlesslyasideandwhackedhiminthefacewiththestick.
“Yow!” wailed Jezal, as he stumbled back. He fumbled the hammer and it
droppedonhisfoot.“Aaargh!”Theironbarclangedtothefloorashebentdown
tograbhisscreamingtoes.HefeltastingingpainasVaruzwhackedhimacross
thearse,thesharpsmackechoingacrossthecourtyard,andhesprawledontohis
face.
“That’s pitiful!” shouted theoldman.“You are embarrassingmeinfront of
Major West!” The Major had rocked his chair back and was shaking with
muffled laughter. Jezal stared at the Marshal’s immaculately polished boots,
seeingnopressingneedtogetup.
“Up,CaptainLuthar!”shoutedVaruz.“Mytimeatleastisvaluable!”
“Alright! Alright!” Jezal clambered wearily to his feet and stood there
swayinginthehotsun,pantingforair,runningwithsweat.
Varuzsteppedclosetohimandsniffedathisbreath.“Haveyoubeendrinking
todayalready?”hedemanded,hisgreymoustachesbristling.“Andlastnighttoo,
no doubt!” Jezal had no reply. “Well damn you, then! We have work to do,
Captain Luthar, and I cannot do it alone! Four months until the Contest, four
monthstomakeamasterswordsmanofyou!”
Varuzwaitedforareply,butJezalcouldnotthinkofone.Hewasonlyreally
doingthistomakehisfatherhappy,butsomehowhedidn’tthinkthatwaswhat
theoldsoldierwantedtohear,andhecoulddowithoutbeinghitagain.“Bah!”
VaruzbarkedinJezal’sface,andturnedaway,stickclenchedtightbehindhimin
bothhands.
“MarshalVar—”Jezalbegan,butbeforehecouldfinishtheoldsoldierspan
aroundandjabbedhimrightinthestomach.
“Gargh,”saidJezalashesanktohisknees.Varuzstoodoverhim.
“Youaregoingtogoonalittlerunforme,Captain.”
“Aaaargh.”
“YouaregoingtorunfromheretotheTowerofChains.Youaregoingtorun
upthetowertotheparapet.Wewillknowwhenyouhavearrived,astheMajor
andIwillbeenjoyingarelaxinggameofsquaresontheroof,”heindicatedthe
six-storeybuildingbehindhim,“inplainviewofthetopofthetower.Iwillbe
abletoseeyouwithmyeye-glass,sotherewillbenocheatingthistime!”andhe
whackedJezalonthetopofthehead.
“Ow,”saidJezal,rubbinghisscalp.
“Havingshownyourselfontheroof,youwillrunback.Youwillrunasfastas
youcan,andIknowthistobetrue,becauseifyouhavenotreturnedbythetime
wehavefinishedourgame,youwillgoagain.”Jezalwinced.“MajorWestisan
excellenthandatsquares,soitshouldtakemehalfanhourtobeathim.Isuggest
youbeginatonce.”
Jezallurchedtohisfeetandjoggedtowardthearchwayatthefarsideofthe
courtyard,mutteringcurses.
“You’llneedtogofaster thanthat, Captain!”Varuzcalledafterhim.Jezal’s
legswereblocksoflead,butheurgedthemon.
“Kneesup!”shoutedMajorWestcheerily.
Jezal clattered down the passageway, past a smirking porter sitting by the
door, and out onto the broad avenue beyond. He jogged past the ivy-covered
wallsoftheUniversity,cursingthenamesofVaruzandWestunderhisheaving
breath,thenbythenearwindowlessmassoftheHouseofQuestions,itsheavy
frontgatesealedtight.Hepassedafewcolourlessclerkshurryingthiswayand
that, but the Agriont was quiet at this time of the afternoon, and Jezal saw
nobodyofinterestuntilhepassedintothepark.
Threefashionableyoungladiesweresittingintheshadeofaspreadingwillow
by the lake, accompanied by an elderly chaperone. Jezal upped his pace
immediately,andreplacedhistorturedexpressionwithanonchalantsmile.
“Ladies,”he saidashe flashed past.He heard themgiggling to oneanother
behindhimand silently congratulated himself, butslowedtohalf the speed as
soonashewasoutofsight.
“Varuzbedamned,”hesaidtohimself,nearlywalkingasheturnedontothe
Kingsway,but hadto speedup againstraightaway.CrownPrinceLadislawas
nottwentystridesoff,holdingforthtohisenormous,brightlycolouredretinue.
“CaptainLuthar!”shoutedhisHighness,sunlightflashingoffhisoutrageous
goldenbuttons,“runforallyou’reworth!Ihaveathousandmarksonyoutowin
theContest!”
JezalhaditongoodauthoritythatthePrincehadbackedBremerdanGorstto
thetuneoftwothousandmarks,buthestillbowedaslowashepossiblycould
while running. The prince’s entourage of dandies cheered and shouted half-
heartedencouragementsathisrecedingback.“Bloodyidiots,”hissedJezalunder
hisbreath,buthewouldhavelovedtobeoneofthem.
HepassedthehugestoneeffigiesofsixhundredyearsofHighKingsonhis
right,thestatuesoftheirloyalretainers,slightlysmaller,onhisleft.Henodded
tothegreatMagusBayazjustbeforeheturnedintotheSquareofMarshals,but
thewizardfrownedbackasdisapprovinglyasever,theawe-inspiringeffectonly
slightlydiminishedbyastreakofwhitepigeonshitonhisstonycheek.
WiththeOpenCouncilinsessionthesquarewasalmostempty,andJezalwas
abletoambleovertothegateoftheHallsMartial.Athicksetsergeantnoddedto
him as he passed through, and Jezal wondered whether he might be from his
owncompany—thecommonsoldiersalllookedthesame,afterall.Heignored
themanandranonbetweenthetoweringwhitebuildings.
“Perfect,”mutteredJezal.JalenhormandKaspaweresittingbythedoortothe
TowerofChains,smokingpipesandlaughing.Thebastardsmusthaveguessed
thathe’dbecomingthisway.
“Forhonour,andglory!”bellowedKaspa,rattlinghisswordinitsscabbardas
Jezalranby.“Don’tkeeptheLordMarshalwaiting!”heshoutedfrombehind,
andJezalheardthebigmanroaringwithamusement.
“Bloodyidiots,”pantedJezal,shoulderingopentheheavydoor,breathrasping
ashestartedupthesteepspiralstaircase.Itwasoneofthehighesttowersinthe
Agriont:thereweretwohundredandninety-onestepsinall.“Bloodysteps,”he
cursedtohimself.Bythetimehereachedthehundredthhislegswereburning
andhischestwasheaving.Bythetimehereachedthetwo-hundredthhewasa
wreck.Hewalkedtherestoftheway,everyfootfalltorture,andeventuallyburst
out through a turret onto the roof and leaned on the parapet, blinking in the
suddenbrightness.
To the south the city was spread out below him, an endless carpet of white
houses stretching all around the glittering bay. In the other direction, the view
over the Agriont was even more impressive. A great confusion of magnificent
buildings piled one upon the other, broken up by green lawns and great trees,
circled by its wide moat and its towering wall, studded with a hundred lofty
towers. The Kingsway sliced straight through the centre toward the Lords’
Round,itsbronzedomeshininginthesunlight.ThetallspiresoftheUniversity
stoodbehind,andbeyondthemloomedthegrimimmensityoftheHouseofthe
Maker,rearinghighoveralllikeadarkmountain,castingitslongshadowacross
thebuildingsbelow.
Jezal fancied that he saw the sun glint on Marshal Varuz’ eyeglass in the
distance.Hecursedonceagainandmadeforthestairs.
Jezalwasimmenselyrelievedwhenhefinallymadeittotheroofandsawthat
therewerestillafewwhitepiecesontheboard.
MarshalVaruzfrownedupathim.“Youareverylucky.TheMajorhasputup
anexceptionallydetermineddefence.”AsmilebrokeWest’sfeatures.“Youmust
somehowhaveearnedhisrespect,evenifyouhaveyettowinmine.”
Jezalbentoverwithhishandsonhisknees,blowinghardanddrippingsweat
ontothefloor.Varuztookthelongcasefromthetable,walkedovertoJezaland
flippeditopen.“Showusyourforms.”
Jezaltooktheshortsteelinhislefthandandthelonginhisright.Theyfelt
light as feathers after the heavy iron. Marshal Varuz backed away a step.
“Begin.”
Hesnappedintothefirstform,rightarmextended,leftclosetothebody.The
blades swished and weaved through the air, glittering in the afternoon sun as
Jezalmovedfromonefamiliarstancetothenextwithapractisedsmoothness.At
lengthhewasfinished,andheletthesteelsdroptohissides.
Varuznodded.“TheCaptainhasfasthands,hashenot?”
“Trulyexcellent,”saidMajorWest,smilingbroadly.“Adamnsightbetterthan
everIwas.”
The Lord Marshal was less impressed. “Your knees are too far bent in the
thirdform,andyoumuststriveformoreextensionontheleftarminthefourth,
butotherwise,”hepaused,“passable.”Jezalbreathedasighofrelief.Thatwas
highpraiseindeed.
“Hah!”shoutedtheoldman,strikinghimintheribswiththeendofthecase.
Jezalsanktothefloor,hardlyabletobreathe.“Yourreflexesneedwork,though,
Captain.Youshouldalwaysbeready.Always.Ifyouhavesteelsinyourhands,
youdamnwellkeepthemup.”
“Yes,sir,”croakedJezal.
“Andyourstaminaisadisgrace,youareblowinglikeacarp.Ihaveitongood
authoritythatBremerdanGorstrunstenmilesaday,andbarelyshowsasweat.”
MarshalVaruzleaneddownoverhim.“Fromnowonyouwilldothesame.Oh
yes. A circuit of the wall of the Agriont every morning at six, followed by an
hourofsparringwithMajorWest,whohasbeenkindenoughtoagreetoactas
yourpartner.Iamconfidentthathewillpointupallthelittleweaknessesinyour
technique.”
Jezalwincedandrubbedhisachingribs.“Asforthecarousing,Iwantanend
toit.Iamallforrevelryinitsproperplace,buttherewillbetimeforcelebration
after the Contest, providing you have worked hard enough to win. Until then,
clean living is what we need. Do you understand me, Captain Luthar?” He
leaned down further, pronouncing every word with great care. “Clean. Living.
Captain.”
“Yes,MarshalVaruz,”mumbledJezal.
Sixhourslaterhewasdrunkerthanshit.Laughinglikealunaticheplunged
outintothestreet,headspinning.Thecoldairslappedhimhardintheface,the
mean little buildings weaved and swayed, the ill-lit road tipped like a sinking
ship.Jezalwrestledmanfullywiththeurgetovomit,tookaswaggeringstepout
intothestreet,turnedtofacethedoor.Smearybrightlightandloudsounds of
laughterandshoutingwashedoutathim.Araggedshapeflewfromthetavern
andstruckhiminthechest.Jezalgrappledwithitdesperately,thenfell.Hehit
thegroundwithabone-jarringcrash.
Theworldwas dark for a moment,thenhefound himself squashed intothe
dirtwithKaspaontopofhim.“Damnit!”hegurgled,tonguethickandclumsy
in his mouth. He shoved the giggling Lieutenant away with his elbow, rolled
overandlurchedup,stumblingaboutasthestreetsee-sawedaroundhim.Kaspa
layonhisbackinthedirt,chokingwith laughter, reeking of cheap booze and
soursmoke.Jezalmadealameattempttobrushthedirtfromhisuniform.There
wasabigwetpatchonhischestthatsmelledofbeer.“Damnit!”hemumbled
again.“Whenhadthathappened?”
Hebecameaware of someshoutingonthe other side oftheroad. Two men
grapplingina doorway. Jezal squinted hard, strained againstthegloom.Abig
man had hold of some well-dressed fellow, and seemed to be tying his hands
behind his back. Now he was forcing some kind of bag over his head. Jezal
blinkedindisbelief.Itwasfarfromareputablearea,butthisseemedsomewhat
strong.
ThedoorofthetavernbangedopenandWestandJalenhormcameout,deep
in drunken conversation, something about someone’s sister. Bright light cut
acrossthestreetandilluminatedthetwostrugglingmenstarkly.Thebigonewas
dressedallinblack,withamaskoverthelowerpartofhisface.Hehadwhite
hair,whiteeyebrows,skinwhiteasmilk.Jezalstaredatthewhitedevilacross
theroad,andheglaredbackwithnarrowedpinkeyes.
“Help!”Itwasthefellowwiththebagonhishead,hisvoiceshrillwithfear.
“Help, I am—” The white man dealt him a savage blow in the midriff and he
foldedupwithasigh.
“Youthere!”shoutedWest.
Jalenhormwasalreadyrushingacrossthestreet.
“What?”saidKaspa,proppeduponhiselbowsintheroad.
Jezal’smindwasfullofmud,buthisfeetseemedtobefollowingJalenhorm,
sohestumbledalongwiththem,feelingverysick.Westcamebehindhim.The
white ghost started up and turned to stand between them and his prisoner.
Anothermanmovedbrisklyoutoftheshadows,tallandthin,dressedallinblack
andmasked,butwithlonggreasyhair.Heheldupaglovedhand.
“Gentlemen,” his whining commoners voice was muffled by his mask,
“gentlemenplease,we’reontheBang’sbusiness!”
“TheKingconductshisbusinessintheday-time,”growledJalenhorm.
Thenewarrival’smasktwitchedslightlyashesmiled.“That’swhyheneeds
usforthenight-timestuff,eh,friend?”
“Whoisthisman?”Westwaspointingatthefellowwiththebagonhishead.
The prisoner was struggling up again. “I am Sepp dan—oof!” The white
monstersilencedhimwithaheavyfistintheface,knockinghimlimpintothe
road.
Jalenhormputahandonthehiltofhissword,jawclenching,andthewhite
ghostloomedforwardwithaterriblespeed.Closeuphewasevenmoremassive,
alien,andterrifying.Jalenhormtookaninvoluntarystepback,stumbledonthe
ruttedsurfaceoftheroadandpitchedonto his back with a crash. Jezal’shead
wasthumping.
“Back!” bellowed West. His sword whipped out of its scabbard with a faint
ringing.
“Thaaaaah!”hissedthemonster,fistsclenchedliketwobigwhiterocks.
“Aargh,”gurgledthemanwiththebagonhishead.
Jezal’sheartwasinhismouth.Helookedatthethinman.Thethinman’seyes
smiledback.Howcouldanyonesmileatatimelikethis?Jezalwassurprisedto
seethat hehada long,ugly knifeinhis hand.Wheredid thatcome from?He
fumbleddrunkenlyforhissword.
“MajorWest!”cameavoicefromtheshadowsdownthestreet,Jezalpaused,
uncertain, steel halfway out. Jalenhorm scrambled to his feet, the back of his
uniformcrustedwithmud,pulledouthisownsword.Thepalemonsterstaredat
themunblinking,notretreatingafingersbreadth.
“Major West!” came the voice again, accompanied now by a clicking,
scraping sound. West’s face had turned pale. A figure emerged from the
shadows, limping badly, cane tapping on the dirt. His broad-brimmed hat
obscured the upper part of his face, but his mouth was twisted into a strange
smile.Jezalnoticedwithasuddenwaveofnauseathathisfourfrontteethwere
missing.Heshuffledtowardsthem,ignoringallthenakedsteel,andofferedhis
freehandtoWest.
The Major slowly sheathed his sword, took the hand and shook it limply.
“ColonelGlokta?”heaskedinahuskyvoice.
“Your humble servant, though I’m no longer an army man. I’m with the
King’s Inquisition now.” He reached up slowly and removed his hat. His face
wasdeathlypale,deeplylined,close-croppedhairscatteredwithgrey.Hiseyes
staredoutfeverishbrightfromdeep,darkrings,theleftonenoticeablynarrower
than the right, pink-rimmed and glistening wet. “And these are my assistants,
PracticalsSeverard,”thelankyonegaveamockeryofabow,“andFrost.”
Thewhitemonsterjerkedtheprisonertohisfeetwithonehand.“Holdon,”
said Jalenhorm, stepping forward, but the Inquisitor put a gentle hand on his
arm.
“ThismanisaprisonerofHisMajesty’sInquisition,LieutenantJalenhorm.”
Thebigmanpaused,surprisedtobecalledbyname.“Irealiseyourmotivesare
of the best, but he is a criminal, a traitor. I have a warrant for him, signed by
ArchLectorSulthimself.Heismostunworthyofyourassistance,believeme.”
Jalenhorm frowned and stared balefully at Practical Frost. The pale devil
looked terrified. About as terrified as a stone. He hauled the prisoner over his
shoulder without apparent effort and turned up the street. The one called
Severardsmiledwithhiseyes,sheathedhisknife,bowedagainandfollowedhis
companion,whistlingtunelesslyashesaunteredoff.
The Inquisitors left eyelid began to flutter and tears rolled down his pale
cheek. He wiped it carefully on the back of his hand. “Please forgive me.
Honestly.It’scomingtosomethingwhenamancan’tcontrolhisowneyes,eh?
Damnweepingjelly.SometimesIthinkIshouldjusthaveitout,andmakedo
with a patch.” Jezal’s stomach roiled. “How long has it been, West? Seven
years?Eight?”
AmusclewasworkingonthesideoftheMajorshead.“Nine.”
“Imaginethat.Nineyears.Canyoubelieveit?Itseemslikeonlyyesterday.It
wasontheridge,wasn’tit,whereweparted?”
“Ontheridge,yes.”
“Don’tworry,West,Idon’tblameyouintheleast.”GloktaslappedtheMajor
warmly on the arm. “Not for that, anyway. You tried to talk me out of it, I
remember.IhadtimeenoughtothinkaboutitinGurkhul,afterall.Lotsoftime
tothink.Youwerealwaysagoodfriendtome.AndnowyoungCollemWest,a
Major in the King’s Own, imagine that.” Jezal had not the slightest idea what
theyweretalkingabout.Hewantedonlytobesick,thengotobed.
InquisitorGloktaturnedtowardhimwithasmile, displayingonce againthe
hideousgapinhisteeth.“AndthismustbeCaptainLuthar,forwhomeveryone
hassuchhighhopesinthecomingContest.MarshalVaruzisahardmaster,ishe
not?”HewavedhiscaneweaklyatJezal.“Jab,jab,eh,Captain?Jab,jab.”
Jezalfelthisbilerising.Hecoughedandlookeddownathisfeet,willingthe
worldtoremainmotionless.TheInquisitorlookedaroundexpectantlyateachof
them in turn. West looked pale. Jalenhorm mud-stained and sulky. Kaspa was
stillsittingintheroad.Noneofthemhadanythingtosay.
Gloktaclearedhisthroat.“Well,dutycalls,”hebowedstiffly,“butIhopeto
seeyouallagain.Verysoon.”Jezalfoundhimselfhopingheneversawtheman
again.
“Perhapswemightfenceagainsometime?”mutteredMajorWest.
Gloktagaveagoodnaturedlaugh.“Oh,Iwouldenjoythat,West,butIfind
thatI’meversoslightlycrippledthesedays.Ifyou’reafterafight,I’msurethat
PracticalFrostcouldobligeyou,”helookedoveratJalenhorm,“butImustwarn
you, he doesn’t fight like a gentleman. I wish you all a pleasant evening.” He
placed his hat back on his head then turned slowly and shuffled off down the
dingystreet.
The three officers watched him limp away in an interminable, awkward
silence.Kaspafinallystumbledover.“Whatwasallthatabout?”heasked.
“Nothing,”saidWestthroughgrittedteeth.“Bestweforgetiteverhappened.”
TeethandFingers
Time is short. We must work quickly. Glokta nodded to Severard, and he
smiledandpulledthebagoffSeppdanTeufel’shead.
The Master of the Mints was a strong, noble-looking man. His face was
alreadystartingtobruise.“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”heroared,allbluster
andbravado.“DoyouknowwhoIam?”
Gloktasnorted.“Ofcourseweknowwhoyouare.Doyouthinkweareinthe
habitofsnatchingpeoplefromthestreetsatrandom?”
“I am the Master of the Royal Mints!” yelled the prisoner, struggling at his
bonds. Practical Frost looked on impassively, arms folded. The irons were
alreadyglowingorangeinthebrazier.“Howdareyou…”
“Wecannothavetheseconstantinterruptions!”shoutedGlokta.Frostkicked
Teufelsavagelyintheshinandheyelpedwithpain.“Howcanourprisonersign
hispaperofconfessionifhishandsaretied?Pleasereleasehim.”
Teufelstaredsuspiciouslyaroundasthealbinountiedhiswrists.Thenhesaw
thecleaver.Thepolishedbladeshonemirrorbrightintheharshlamplight.Truly
athingofbeauty.You’dliketohavethat,wouldn’tyou,Teufel?Ibetyou’dliketo
cut my head off with it. Glokta almost hoped that he would, his right hand
seemed to be reaching for it, but he used it to shove the paper of confession
awayinstead.
“Ah,”saidGlokta,“theMasteroftheMintsisaright-handedgentleman.”
“Aright-handedgentleman,”Severardhissedintheprisonersear.
Teufel was staring across the table through narrowed eyes. “I know you!
Glokta, isn’t it? The one who was captured in Gurkhul, the one they tortured.
SanddanGlokta,amIright?Well,you’reinoveryourheadthistime,Icantell
you!Rightinoveryourhead!WhenHighJusticeMaroviahearsaboutthis…”
Glokta sprang to his feet, his chair screeching on the tiles. His left leg was
agony,butheignoredit.“Lookatthis!”hehissed,thenopenedhismouthwide,
giving the horrified prisoner a good look at his teeth. Or what’s left of them.
“Youseethat?Yousee?Wheretheycrackedouttheteethabove,theyleftthem
below,andwheretheytookthemoutbelow,theyleftthemabove,allthewayto
theback.See?”GloktapulledhischeeksbackwithhisfingerssoTeufelcould
get a better view. “They did it with a tiny chisel. A little bit each day. It took
months.”Gloktasatdownstiffly,thensmiledwide.
“Whatexcellentwork,eh?Theironyofit!Toleaveyouhalfyourteeth,but
not a one of ’em any use! I have soup most days.” The Master of the Mints
swallowedhard.Gloktacouldseeadropofsweatrunningdownhisneck.“And
theteethwerejustthebeginning.Ihavetopisssittingdownlikeawoman,you
know.I’mthirty-fiveyearsold,andIneedhelpgettingoutofbed.”Heleaned
backagain and stretched outhisleg with awince.“Every day is itsownlittle
hellforme.Everyday.Sotellme,canyouseriouslybelievethatanythingyou
mightsaycouldscareme?”
Gloktastudiedhisprisoner,takinghistime.Nolongerhalfsosureofhimself.
“Confess,” he whispered. “Then we can ship you off to Angland and still get
somesleeptonight.”
Teufel’s face had turned almost as pale as Practical Frost’s, but he said
nothing.TheArch Lectorwillbeheresoon.Alreadyonhisway,most likely.If
there is no confession when he arrives… we’ll all be off to Angland. At best.
Gloktatookholdofhiscaneandgottohisfeet.“Iliketothinkofmyselfasan
artist,butartistrytakestimeandwehavewastedhalftheeveningsearchingfor
youineverybrothelinthecity.Thankfully,PracticalFrosthasakeennoseand
anexcellentsenseofdirection.Hecansniffoutaratinashithouse.”
“A rat in a shithouse,” echoed Severard, eyes glittering bright in the orange
glowfromthebrazier.
“Weareonatightschedulesoletmebeblunt.Youwillconfesstomewithin
tenminutes.”
Teufelsnortedandfoldedhisarms.“Never.”
“Holdhim.”Frostseizedtheprisonerfrombehindandfoldedhiminavice-
likegrip,pinninghisrightarmtohisside.Severardgrabbedholdofhisleftwrist
andspreadhisfingersoutonthescarredtable-top.Gloktacurledhisfistround
thesmoothgripofthecleaver,thebladescrapingagainstthewoodashepulled
it slowly towards him. He stared down at Teufel’s hand. What beautiful
fingernails he has. How long and glossy. You cannot work down a mine with
nailslikethat.Gloktaraisedthecleaverhigh.
“Wait!”screamedtheprisoner.
Bang!Theheavybladebitdeepintothetabletop,neatlyparingoffTeufel’s
middlefingernail.Hewasbreathingfastnow,andtherewasasheenofsweaton
hisforehead.Nowwe’llseewhatkindofamanyoureallyare.
“Ithinkyoucanseewherethisisgoing,”saidGlokta.“Youknow,theydidit
toacorporalwho was captured with me, onecutaday.Hewas a tough man,
very tough. They made it past his elbow before he died.” Glokta lifted the
cleaveragain.“Confess.”
“Youcouldn’t…”
Bang! The cleaver took off the very tip of Teufel’s middle finger. Blood
bubbledoutontothetabletop.Severard’seyesweresmilinginthelamplight.
Teufel’sjawdropped.Butthepainwillbeawhilecoming.“Confess!”bellowed
Glokta.
Bang!ThecleavertookoffthetopofTeufel’sringfinger,andalittlediscout
of his middle finger which rolled a short way and dropped off onto the floor.
Frost’sfacewascarvedfrommarble.“Confess!”
Bang! The tip of Teufel’s index finger jumped in the air. His middle finger
wasdowntothefirstjoint.Gloktapaused,wipingthesweatfromhisforehead
on the back of his hand. His leg was throbbing with the exertion. Blood was
drippingontothetileswithasteadytap,tap,tap.Teufelwasstaringwide-eyedat
hisshortenedfingers.
Severardshookhishead.“That’sexcellentwork,Inquisitor.”Heflickedone
ofthediscsoffleshacrossthetable.“Theprecision…I’minawe.”
“Aaaargh!”screamedtheMasteroftheMints.Nowitdawnsonhim.Glokta
raisedthecleaveronceagain.
“Iwillconfess!”shriekedTeufel,“Iwillconfess!”
“Excellent,”saidGloktabrightly.
“Excellent,”saidSeverard.
“Etherer,”saidPracticalFrost.
TheWideandBarrenNorth
The Magi are an ancient and mysterious order, learned in the secrets of the
world,practisedinthewaysofmagic,wiseandpowerfulbeyondthedreamsof
men.Thatwastherumour.Suchaoneshouldhavewaysoffindingaman,even
amanaloneinthewideandbarrenNorth.Ifthatwasso,thenhewastakinghis
timeaboutit.
Logen scratched at his tangled beard and wondered what was keeping the
greatone.Perhapshewaslost.Heaskedhimselfagainifheshouldhavestayed
intheforests,wherefoodatleastwasplentiful.Buttothesouththespiritshad
said,andifyouwentsouthfromthehillsyoucametothesewitheredmoors.So
herehehadwaitedinthebriarsandthemud,inbadweather,andmostlygone
hungry.
His boots were worn out anyway, so he had set his miserable camp not far
from the road, the better to see this wizard coming. Since the wars, the North
was full of dangerous scum—deserting warriors turned bandit, peasants fled
from their burned-out land, leaderless and desperate men with nothing left to
lose,andsoon.Logenwasn’tworried,though.Noonehadareasontocometo
thisarseholeoftheworld.NoonebuthimandtheMagus.
Sohesatandwaited,lookedforfood,didn’t find any, sat and waited some
more.Atthistimeofyearthemoorswereoftensoakedbysuddendownpours,
but he would have smoky, thorny little fires by night if he could, to keep his
flagging spirits up and attract any passing wizards. It had been raining this
evening,butithadstoppedawhilebeforeanditwasdryenoughforafire.Now
hehadhispotoverit,cookingastewwiththelastofthemeathehadbrought
withhimfromtheforest.Hewouldhavetomoveoninthemorning,andlook
forfood.TheMaguscouldcatchupwithhimlater,ifhestillcared.
Hewasstirringhismeagremeal,andwonderingwhethertogobacknorthor
moveonsouthtomorrow,whenheheardthesoundofhoovesontheroad.One
horse,movingslowly.Hesatbackonhiscoatandwaited.Therewasaneigh,the
jingleofaharness.Aridercameovertherise.Withthewaterysunlowonthe
horizonbehind,Logencouldn’tseehimclearly,buthesatstiffandawkwardin
his saddle, like a man not used to the road. He urged his horse gently in the
directionofthefireandreinedinafewyardsaway.
“Goodevening,”hesaid.
HewasnotintheleastwhatLogenhadbeenexpecting.Agaunt,pale,sickly-
looking young man with dark rings round his eyes, long hair plastered to his
head by the drizzle and a nervous smile. He seemed more wet than wise, and
certainly didn’t look powerful beyond the dreams of men. He looked mostly
hungry,cold,andill.HelookedsomethinglikeLogenfelt,infact.
“Shouldn’tyouhaveastaff?”
Theyoung manlookedsurprised. “Idon’t…that istosay… er…I’mnot a
Magus.”Hetrailedoffandlickedhislipsnervously.
“ThespiritstoldmetoexpectaMagus,butthey’reoftenwrong.”
“Oh… well, I’m an apprentice. But my Master, the great Bayaz,” and he
bowed his head reverently, “is none other than the First of the Magi, great in
High Art and learned in deep wisdom. He sent me to find you,” he looked
suddenlydoubtful,“andbringyou…youareLogenNinefingers?”
Logenhelduphislefthandandlookedatthepaleyoungmanthroughthegap
wherehismiddlefingerusedtobe.“Ohgood.”Theapprenticebreathedasigh
ofrelief,thensuddenlystoppedhimself.“Oh,thatistosay…er…sorryabout
thefinger.”
Logenlaughed.Itwasthefirsttimesincehedraggedhimselfoutoftheriver.
Itwasn’t very funny buthelaughedloud. It feltgood.Theyoung man smiled
andslippedpainfullyfromthesaddle.“IamMalacusQuai.”
“Malacuswhat?”
“Quai,”hesaid,makingforthefire.
“Whatkindofanameisthat?”
“IamfromtheOldEmpire.”
Logenhadneverheardofanysuchplace.“Anempire,eh?”
“Well, it was, once. The mightiest nation in the Circle of the World.” The
youngmansquatteddownstifflybythefire.“Butthegloryofthepastislong
faded.It’snotmuchmorethanahugebattlefieldnow.”Logennodded.Heknew
well enough what one of those looked like. “It’s far away. In the west of the
world.”Theapprenticewavedhishandvaguely.
Logenlaughedagain.“That’seast.”
Quaismiledsadly.“Iamaseer,thoughnot,itseems,averygoodone.Master
Bayazsentmetofindyou,butthestarshavenotbeenauspiciousandIbecame
lostinthebadweather.”Hepushedhishairoutofhiseyesandspreadhishands.
“Ihadapackhorse,withfoodandsupplies,andanotherhorseforyou,butIlost
theminastorm.IfearIamnooutdoorsman.”
“Seemsnot.”
Quai took a flask from his pocket and leaned across with it. Logen took it
fromhim, openedit,took aswig.The hotliquorran downhisthroat, warmed
him to the roots of his hair. “Well, Malacus Quai, you lost your food but you
keptholdofwhatreallymattered.Ittakesanefforttomakemesmilethesedays.
You’rerightwelcomeatmyfire.”
“Thank you.” The apprentice paused and held his palms out to the meagre
flames. “I haven’t eaten for two days.” He shook his head, hair flapping back
andforth.“Ithasbeen…adifficulttime.”Helickedhislipsandlookedatthe
pot.
Logenpassedhimthespoon.MalacusQuaistaredatitwithbigroundeyes.
“Haveyoueaten?”
Logennodded. He hadn’t,but thewretchedapprentice looked famishedand
there was barely enough for one. He took another swig from the flask. That
woulddoforhim,fornow.Quaiattackedthestewwithrelish.Whenitwasdone
hescrapedthepotout,lickedthespoon,thenlickedtheedgeofthepotforgood
measure. He sat back against a big rock. “I am forever in your debt, Logen
Ninefingers,you’vesavedmylife.Ihardlydaredhopeyou’dbeso graciousa
host.”
“You’renotquitewhatIexpectedeither,beinghonest.”Logenpulledatthe
flaskagain,andlickedhislips.“WhoisthisBayaz?”
“TheFirstoftheMagi,greatinHighArtandlearnedindeepwisdom.Ifear
hewillbemostseriouslydispleasedwithme.”
“He’stobefeared,then?”
“Well,”repliedtheapprenticeweakly,“hedoeshaveabitofatemper.”
Logen took another swallow. The warmth was spreading through his body
now,thefirsttimehehadfeltwarminweeks.Therewasapause.“Whatdoeshe
wantfromme,Quai?”
There was no reply. The soft sound of snoring came from across the fire.
Logensmiledand,wrappinghimselfinhiscoat,laydowntosleepaswell.
Theapprenticewokewithasuddenfitofcoughing.Itwasearlymorningand
thedingyworldwasthickwithmist.Itwasprobablybetterthatway.Therewas
nothingto see butmilesof mud,rock,and miserablebrowngorse. Everything
was coated in cold dew, but Logen had managed to get a sad tongue of fire
going.Quai’shair wasplasteredto hispallid face.Herolled ontohisside and
coughedphlegmontotheground.
“Aaargh,”hecroaked.Hecoughedandspatagain.
Logensecuredthelastofhismeagregearontheunhappyhorse.“Morning,”
hesaid,lookingupatthewhitesky,“thoughnotagoodone.”
“Iwilldie.Iwilldie,andthenIwillnothavetomove.”
“We’vegotnofood,soifwestayhereyouwilldie.ThenIcaneatyouandgo
backoverthemountains.”
Theapprenticesmiledweakly.“Whatdowedo?”
Whatindeed?“WheredowefindthisBayaz?”
“AttheGreatNorthernLibrary.”
Logenhadneverheardofit,butthenhe’dneverbeenthatinterestedinbooks.
“Whichiswhere?”
“It’ssouthofhere,aboutfourdays’ride,besideagreatlake.”
“Doyouknowtheway?”
Theapprenticetotteredtohisfeetandstood,swayingslightly,breathingfast
andshallow.Hewasghostlypaleandhisfacehadasheenofsweat.“Ithinkso,”
hemuttered,buthehardlylookedcertain.
Neither Quai nor his horse would make four days without food, even
providingtheydidn’tgetlost.Foodhadtobethefirstthing.Tofollowtheroad
throughthewoodstothesouthwasthebestoption,despitethegreaterrisk.They
mightgetkilledbybandits,buttheforagewouldbebetter,andthehungerwould
likelykillthemotherwise.
“You’dbetterride,”saidLogen.
“Ilostthehorses,Ishouldbetheonetowalk.”
Logen put his hand on Quai’s forehead. It was hot and clammy. “You’ve a
fever.You’dbetterride.”
Theapprenticedidn’ttrytoargue.HelookeddownatLogen’sraggedboots.
“Canyoutakemyboots?”
Logen shook his head. “Too small.” He knelt down over the smouldering
remainsofthefireandpursedhislips.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Fireshavespirits.Iwillkeepthisoneundermytongue,andwecanuseitto
lightanotherfirelater.”Quailookedtooilltobesurprised.Logensuckedupthe
spirit,coughedonthesmoke,shudderedatthebittertaste.“Youreadytoleave?”
Theapprenticeraisedhisarmsinahopelessgesture.“Iampacked.”
MalacusQuailovedtotalk.Hetalkedastheymadetheirwaysouthacrossthe
moors,asthesunclimbedintothegrimyskies,astheyenteredthewoodstoward
eveningtime.Hisillnessdidnothingtostophischatter,butLogendidn’tmind.
Itwasalongtimesinceanyonehadtalkedtohim,andithelpedtotakehismind
offhisfeet.Hewasstarvingandtired,butitwashisfeetthatweretheproblem.
Hisbootsweretattersofoldleather,histoescutandbattered,hiscalfwasstill
burningfromtheShanka’steeth.Everystepwasanordeal.Oncetheyhadcalled
himthemostfearedmanintheNorth.Nowhewasafraidofthesmalleststicks
andstonesintheroad.Therewasajokeintheresomewhere.Hewincedashis
foothitapebble.
“…soIspentsevenyearsstudyingwithMasterZacharus.Heisgreatamong
the Magi, the fifth of Juvens’ twelve apprentices, a great man.” Everything
connectedwiththeMagiseemedtobegreatinQuai’seyes.“HefeltIwasready
tocometotheGreatNorthernLibraryandstudywithMasterBayaz,toearnmy
staff. But things have not been easy for me here. Master Bayaz is most
demandingand…”
The horse stopped and snorted, shied and took a hesitant step back. Logen
sniffedtheairandfrowned.Thereweremennearby,andbadlywashedones.He
shouldhavenoticeditsoonerbuthisattentionhadbeenonhisfeet.Quailooked
downathim.“Whatisit?”
As if in answer a man stepped out from behind a tree perhaps ten strides
ahead,anotheralittlefurtherdowntheroad.Theywerescum,withoutadoubt.
Dirty,bearded,dressedinraggedbitsofmismatchedfurandleather.Not,onthe
whole,unlikeLogen.Theskinnyoneonthelefthadaspearwithabarbedhead.
Thebigoneontherighthadaheavyswordspeckledwithrust,andanolddented
helmetwithaspikeontop.Theymovedforward,grinning.Therewasasound
behindandLogenlookedoverhisshoulder,hisheartsinking.Athirdman,with
a big boil on his face, was making his way cautiously down the road toward
them,aheavywoodaxeinhishands.
Quaileaneddownfromhissaddle,eyeswidewithfear.“Aretheybandits?”
“You’rethefuckingseer,”hissedLogenthroughgrittedteeth.
Theystoppedastrideortwoinfront.Theonewiththehelmetseemedtobein
charge.“Nicehorse,”hegrowled.“Wouldyoulendittous?”Theonewiththe
speargrinnedashetookholdofthebridle.
Thingshadtakenaturnfortheworsealright.Amomentagothathadhardly
seemedpossible,butfatehadfoundaway.LogendoubtedthatQuaiwouldbe
muchuseinafight.Thatlefthimaloneagainstthreeormore,andwithonlya
knife.IfhedidnothinghimandMalacuswouldenduprobbed,andmorethan
likelykilled.Youhavetoberealisticaboutthesethings.
Helookedthethreebanditsoveragain.Theydidn’texpectafight,notfrom
twounarmedmen—thespearwassidewayson,theswordpointedattheground.
Hedidn’tknowabouttheaxe,sohe’dhavetotrusttoluckwiththatone.It’sa
sorryfactthatthemanwhostrikesfirstusuallystrikeslast,soLogenturnedto
theonewiththehelmetandspatthespiritinhisface.
Itignitedintheairandpouncedonhimhungrily.Hisheadburstintospitting
flames,theswordclatteredtotheground.Heclaweddesperatelyathisfaceand
hisarmscaughtfireaswell.Hereeledscreamingaway.
Quai’s horse startled at the flames and reared up, snorting. The skinny man
stumbled back with a gasp and Logen leaped at him, grabbed the shaft of the
spear with one hand and butted him in the face. His nose crunched against
Logen’s forehead and he staggered away with blood streaming down his chin.
Logenjerkedhimbackwiththespear,swunghisrightarmroundinawidearc
andpunchedhimintheneck.HewentdownwithagurgleandLogentorethe
spearfromhishands.
Hefeltmovementbehindhimanddroppedtotheground,rollingawaytohis
left.Theaxewhistledthroughtheairabovehisheadandcutalongslashinthe
horse’sside,spatteringdropsofbloodacrossthegroundandrippingthebuckle
onthesaddlegirthopen.Boil-facetotteredaway,spinningaroundafterhisaxe.
Logen sprang at him but his ankle twisted on a stone and he tottered like a
drunkard,yelpingatthepain.Anarrowhummedpasthisfacefromsomewhere
inthetreesbehindandwaslostinthebushesontheothersideoftheroad.The
horsesnortedandkicked,eyesrollingmadly,thentookoffdowntheroadata
crazy gallop. Malacus Quai wailed as the saddle slid off its back and he was
flungintothebushes.
Therewasnotimetothinkabouthim.Logenchargedattheaxe-manwitha
roar,aimingthespearathisheart.Hebroughthisaxeupintimetonudgethe
pointaway,butnotfarenough.Thespearspittedhimthroughtheshoulder,spun
himround.Therewasasharpcrackastheshaftsnapped,Logenlosthisbalance
and pitched forward, bearing Boil-face down into the road. The spear-point
stickingoutofhisbackcutadeepgashintoLogen’sscalpashefellontopof
him.Logenseizedholdoftheaxe-man’smattedhairwithbothhands,pulledhis
headbackandmashedhisfaceintoarock.
Helurchedtohisfeet,headspinning,wipingbloodoutofhiseyesjustintime
toseeanarrowzipoutofthetreesandthudintoatrunkastrideortwoaway.
Logen hurtled at the archer. He saw him now, a boy no more than fourteen,
reachingforanotherarrow.Logenpulledouthisknife.Theboywasnockingthe
arrowtohisbow,buthiseyeswerewidewithpanic.Hefumbledthestringand
drovethearrowthroughhishand,lookinggreatlysurprised.
Logenwasonhim.Theboyswungthebowathimbutheduckedbelowitand
jumpedforward,drivingtheknifeupwithbothhands.Thebladecaughttheboy
under the chin and lifted him into the air, then snapped off in his neck. He
droppedontopofLogen,thejaggedshardoftheknifecuttingalonggashinhis
arm.Bloodsplatteredeverywhere,fromthecutonLogen’shead,fromthecuton
Logen’sarm,fromthegapingwoundintheboy’sthroat.
Heshovedthecorpseaway,staggeredagainstatreeandgaspedforbreath.His
heartwaspounding,thebloodroaringinhisears, hisstomachturningover.“I
amstillalive,”hewhispered,“Iamstillalive.”Thecutsonhisheadandhisarm
were starting to throb. Two more scars. It could have been a lot worse. He
scrapedthebloodfromhiseyesandlimpedbacktotheroad.
Malacus Quai was standing, staring ashen-faced at the three corpses. Logen
tookhimbytheshoulders,lookedhimupanddown.“Youhurt?”
Quai only stared at the bodies. “Are they dead?” The corpse of the big one
withthehelmetwas still smoking, making a disgustingly appetising smell.He
hadagoodpairofbootson,Logennoticed,alotbetterthanhisown.Theone
withtheboilhadhisneckturnedtoofararoundtobealive,thatandhehadthe
brokenspearthrough him. Logen rolledtheskinnyone over with his foot.He
stillhadalookofsurpriseonhisbloodyface,eyesstaringupatthesky,mouth
open.
“Must’vecrushedhiswindpipe,”mutteredLogen.Hishandswerecoveredin
blood.Hegrabbedonewiththeothertostopthemfromtrembling.
“Whatabouttheoneinthetrees?”
Logennodded.“Whathappenedtothehorse?”
“Gone,”mutteredQuaihopelessly.“Whatdowedo?”
“Weseeifthey’vegotanyfood.”Logenpointedtothesmokingcorpse.“And
youhelpmegethisbootsoff.”
FencingPractice
“Presshim,Jezal,presshim!Don’tbeshy!”
Jezal was only too willing to oblige. He sprang forward, lunging with his
right.Westwasalreadyoffbalanceandhestumbledback,alloutofform,only
justmanagingtoparrywithhisshortsteel.Theywereusinghalf-edgedblades
today,toaddalittledangertotheproceedings.Youcouldn’treallystabaman
with one, but you could give him a painful scratch or two, if you tried hard
enough.JezalintendedtogivetheMajorascratchforyesterday’shumiliation.
“That’sit,givehimhell!Jab,jab,Captain!Jab,jab!”
Westmadeaclumsycut,butJezalsawitcomingandswattedthesteelaside,
stillpressingforward,jabbingforallhewasworth.Heslashedwiththeleft,and
again.Westblockeddesperately,staggeredbackagainstthewall.Jezalhadhim
atlast.Hecackledwithgleeashelungedforwardagainwiththelongsteel,but
his opponent had come suddenly and surprisingly alive. West slipped away,
shovedthelungeasidewithdisappointingfirmness.Jezalstumbledforward,off
balance,gaveashockedgaspasthepointofhisswordfoundagapbetweentwo
stonesandhissteelwaswrenchedoutofhisnumbhand,lodgedtherewobbling
inthewall.
Westdartedforward,duckedinsideJezal’sremainingbladeandslammedinto
himwithhisshoulder.“Ooof,”saidJezalashestaggeredbackandcrashedtothe
floor, fumbling his short steel. It skittered across the stones and Lord Marshal
Varuz caught it smartly under his foot. The blunted point of West’s sword
hoveredoverJezal’sthroat.
“Damnit!”hecursed,asthegrinningMajorofferedhimhishand.
“Yes,” murmured Varuz with a deep sigh, “damn it indeed. An even more
detestableperformancethanyesterday’s,ifthat’spossible!Youlet MajorWest
makeafoolofyouagain!”JezalslappedWest’shandawaywithascowlandgot
tohisfeet.“Heneveroncelostcontrolofthatbout!Youallowedyourselftobe
drawnin,andthendisarmed!Disarmed!Mygrandsonwouldnothavemadethat
mistake,and he is eightyearsold!”Varuz whacked at thefloorwith his stick.
“Explaintomeplease,CaptainLuthar,howyouwillwinafencingmatchfroma
proneposition,andwithoutyoursteels?”
Jezalsulkedandrubbedthebackofhishead.
“No?In future, ifyoufalloffa cliffcarryingyoursteels, I wanttosee you
smashedtobitsatthebottom,grippingthemtightlyinyourdeadfingers,doyou
hearme?”
“Yes,MarshalVaruz,”mumbledasullenJezal,wishingtheoldbastardwould
takeatumbleoffacliffhimself.OrperhapstheTowerofChains.Thatwouldbe
adequate.MaybeMajorWestcouldjoinhim.
“Over-confidenceisacursetotheswordsman!Youmusttreateveryopponent
asthoughhewillbeyourlast.Asforyourfootwork,”andVaruzcurledhislip
withdisgust,“fineandfancycomingforward,butputyouonthebackfootand
youquitewitheraway.TheMajoronlyhadtotapyouandyoufelldownlikea
faintingschoolgirl.”
West grinned across at him. He was loving this. Absolutely loving it, damn
him.
“TheysayBremerdanGorsthasabackleglikeapillarofsteel.Apillarof
steeltheysay!Itwouldbeeasiertoknock downtheHouse oftheMakerthan
him.”TheLordMarshalpointedoverattheoutlineofthehugetower,looming
upoverthebuildingsofthecourtyard.“TheHouseoftheMaker!”heshoutedin
disgust.
Jezalsniffedandkickedatthefloorwithhisboot.Forthehundredthtimehe
entertainedthenotionofgivingitupandneverholdingasteelagain.Butwhat
wouldpeoplesay?Hisfatherwasabsurdlyproudofhim,alwaysboastingabout
hisskilltoanyonewhowouldlisten.Hehadhisheartsetonseeinghissonfight
intheSquareofMarshalsbeforeascreamingcrowd.IfJezalthrewitovernow
his father would be mortified, and he could say goodbye to his commission,
goodbye to his allowance, goodbye to his ambitions. No doubt his brothers
wouldlovethat.
“Balanceisthekey,”Varuzwasspouting.“Yourstrengthrisesupthroughthe
legs! From now on we will add an hour on the beam to your training. Every
day.”Jezalwinced.“So:arun,exerciseswiththeheavybar,forms,anhourof
sparring, forms again, an hour on the beam.” The Lord Marshal nodded with
satisfaction.“Thatwillsuffice,fornow.Iwillseeyouatsixo’clocktomorrow
morning,icecoldsober.”Varuzfrowned.“Ice.Cold.Sober.”
“I can’t do this forever, you know,” said Jezal as he hobbled stiffly back
towards his quarters. “How much of this horrible shit should a man have to
take?”
West grinned. “This is nothing. I’ve never seen the old bastard so soft on
anyone.Hemustreallylikeyou.Hewasn’thalfsofriendlywithme.”
Jezalwasn’tsurehebelievedit.“Worsethanthis?”
“Ididn’thavethegroundingthatyou’vehad.Hemademeholdtheheavybar
over my head all afternoon until it fell on me.” The Major winced slightly, as
thougheventhememorywaspainful.“HemademerunupanddowntheTower
ofChainsinfullarmour.Hehadmesparringfourhoursaday,everyday.”
“Howdidyouputupwithit?”
“Ididn’thaveachoice.I’mnotanobleman.Fencingwastheonlywayforme
togetnoticed.Butitpaidoffintheend.Howmanycommonersdoyouknow
withacommissionintheKing’sOwn?”
Jezalshrugged. “Cometothink ofit,very few.” Asanobleman himself,he
didn’tthinkthereshouldbeany.
“But you’re from a good family, and a Captain already. If you can win the
Contestthere’sno telling howfaryou could go.Hoff—the Lord Chamberlain,
Marovia—the High Justice, Varuz himself for that matter, they were all
championsin theirday.Championswith theright blood alwaysgo on togreat
things.”
Jezalsnorted.“LikeyourfriendSanddanGlokta?”
Thenamedroppedbetweenthemlikeastone.“Well…almostalways.”
“MajorWest!”camearoughvoicefrombehind.
A thickset sergeant with a scar down his cheek was hurrying over to them.
“SergeantForest,howareyou?”askedWest,clappingthesoldierwarmlyonthe
back. He had a touch with peasants, but then Jezal had to keep reminding
himselfthatWestwaslittlebetterthanapeasanthimself.Hemightbeeducated,
andanofficer,andsoforth,buthestillhadmoreincommonwiththesergeant
thanhedidwithJezal,onceyouthoughtaboutit.
Thesergeantbeamed.“Verywell,thankyou,sir.”Henoddedrespectfullyto
Jezal.“Morning,Captain.”
Jezalfavouredhimwithatersenodandturnedawaytolookuptheavenue.
Hecouldthinkofnopossiblereasonwhyanofficerwouldwanttobefamiliar
withthecommonsoldiers.Furthermore,hewasscarredandugly.Jezalhadno
usewhateverforuglypeople.
“WhatcanIdoforyou?”Westwasasking.
“MarshalBurrwishestoseeyou,sir,foranurgentbriefing.Allseniorofficers
areorderedtoattend.”
West’sfaceclouded.“I’llbethereassoonasIcan.”Thesergeantsalutedand
strodeoff.
“What’s all that about?” asked Jezal carelessly, watching some clerk chase
aroundafterapaperhehaddropped.
“Angland. This King of the Northmen, Bethod.” West said the name with a
scowl,asthoughitleftabittertaste.“Theysayhe’sdefeatedallhisenemiesin
theNorth,andnowhe’sspoilingforafightwithTheUnion.”
“Well,ifit’safighthewants,”saidJezalairily.Warswereafinething,inhis
opinion,anexcellentopportunityforgloryandadvancement.Thepaperfluttered
past his boot on the light breeze, closely followed by the puffing clerk. Jezal
grinnedathimashehurriedpast,bentalmostdoubleinhisclumsyeffortstotry
andgrabit.
TheMajorsnatchedupthegrubbydocumentandhandeditover.“Thankyou,
sir,” said the clerk, his sweaty face quite pitiful with gratitude, “thank you so
much!”
“Thinknothingofit,”murmuredWest,andtheclerkgaveasycophanticlittle
bowandhurriedaway.Jezalwasdisappointed.Hehadbeenratherenjoyingthe
chase.“Therecouldbewar,butthat’stheleastofmytroublesrightnow.”West
breathedaheavysigh.“MysisterisinAdua.”
“Ididn’tknowyouhadasister.”
“WellIdo,andshe’shere.”
“So?” Jezal had little enthusiasm for hearing about the Majors sister. West
mighthavepulledhimselfup,buttherestofhisfamilyweredistinctlybeneath
Jezal’s notice. He was interestedinmeeting poor, common girls he couldtake
advantageof,andrich,nobleoneshemightthinkaboutmarrying.Anythingin
betweenwasofnoimportance.
“Well,mysistercanbecharmingbutsheisalsoalittle…unconventional.She
canbesomethingofahandfulinthewrongmood.Truthbetold,I’dpreferto
takecareofapackofNorthmenthanher.”
“Comenow, West,”said Jezal absently,hardlytaking anynoticeof whathe
wassaying,“I’msureshecan’tbethatdifficult.”
TheMajorbrightened.“Well,I’mrelievedtohearyousaythat.She’salways
beenkeentoseetheAgriontforherself,andI’vebeensayingforyearsthatI’d
giveheratourifsheevercamehere.We’darrangeditfortodayinfact.”Jezal
hadasinkingfeeling.“Now,withthismeeting—”
“ButIhavesolittletimethesedays!”whingedJezal.
“IpromiseI’llmakeituptoyou.We’llmeetyouatmyquartersinanhour.”
“Holdon…”ButWestwasalreadystridingaway.
Don’tletherbetoougly,Jezalwasthinkingasheslowlyapproachedthedoor
toMajorWest’squartersandraisedhisunwillingfisttoknock.Justdon’tlether
betoougly. And not too stupideither. Anythingbutan afternoon wasted ona
stupidgirl.Hishandwashalfwaytothedoorwhenhebecameawareofraised
voicesontheotherside.Hestoodguiltilyinthecorridor,hiseardrawingcloser
andclosertothewood,hopingtohearsomethingcomplimentaryabouthimself.
“…andwhataboutyourmaid?”cameMajorWest’smuffledvoice,sounding
greatlyannoyed.
“Ihadtoleaveheratthehouse,therewasalottodo.Nobody’sbeentherein
months.”West’ssister.Jezal’sheartsank.Adeepvoice,shesoundedlikeafat
one.Jezalcouldn’taffordtobeseenwalkingabouttheAgriontwithafatgirlon
hisarm.Itcouldruinhisreputation.
“Butyoucan’tjustwanderaboutthecityonyourown!”
“Igotherealright,didn’tI?You’reforgettingwhoweare,Collem.Icanmake
do without a servant. To most of the people here I’m no better than a servant
anyway.Besides,I’llhaveyourfriendCaptainLuthartolookafterme.”
“That’sevenworse,asyoudamnwellknow!”
“Well I wasn’tto knowthatyou’dbe busy. I would’ve thought you’dmake
the time to see your own sister.” She didn’t sound an idiot, which was
something,butfatandnowpeevishtoo.“Aren’tIsafewithyourfriend?”
“He’sagoodenoughsort,butishesafewithyou?”Jezalwasn’tsurewhatthe
Majormeantbythatlittlecomment.“AndwalkingabouttheAgriontalone,and
withamanyouhardlyknow?Don’tplaythefool,Iknowyoubetterthanthat!
Whatwillpeoplethink?”
“Shitonwhattheythink.”Jezaljerkedawayfromthedoor.Hewasn’tusedto
hearingladiesusethatsortoflanguage.Fat,peevishandcoarse,damnit.This
might be even worse than he’d feared. He looked up the corridor, considering
makingarunforit,alreadyworkingouthisexcuse.Cursehisbadluck,though,
someonewascomingup thestairs now.Hecouldn’tleavewithoutbeingseen.
He would just have to knock and get it over with. He gritted his teeth and
poundedresentfullyatthedoor.
Thevoicesstoppedsuddenly,andJezalputonanunconvincingfriendlygrin.
Letthetorturebegin.Thedoorswungopen.
For some reason, he had been expecting a kind of shorter, fatter version of
MajorWest,inadress.Hehadbeengreatlymistaken.Shewasperhapsslightly
fulleroffigurethanwasstrictlyfashionable,sinceskinnygirlswerealltherage,
butyoucouldn’tcallherfat,notfatatall.Shehaddarkhair,darkskin,alittle
darkerthanwouldgenerallybethoughtideal.Heknewthataladyshouldremain
out of the sun whenever possible, but looking at her, he really couldn’t
remember why. Her eyes were very dark, almost black, and blue eyes were
turningtheheadsthisseason,buthersshoneinthedimlightofthedoorwayina
ratherbewitchingmanner.
Shesmiledathim.Astrangesortofsmile,higherononesidethantheother.It
gavehimaslightlyuneasyfeeling,asthoughsheknewsomethingfunnythathe
didn’t. Still, excellent teeth, all white and shiny. Jezal’s anger was swiftly
vanishing.Thelongerhelookedatherthemoreherlooksgrewonhim,andthe
emptierhisheadbecameofcogentthought.
“Hello,”shesaid.
Hismouthopenedslightly,asifbyforceofhabit,butnothingcameout.His
mindwasablankpage.
“AndyoumustbeCaptainLuthar?”
“Er…”
“I’m Collem’s sister, Ardee,” she slapped her forehead. “I’m such an idiot
though,Collemwillhavetoldyouallaboutme.Iknowthetwoofyouaregreat
friends.”
Jezal glanced awkwardly at the Major, who was frowning back at him and
looking somewhat put out. It would hardly do to say he had been entirely
unawareofherexistenceuntilthatmorning.Hestruggledtoframeevenamildly
amusingreply,butnothingcametomind.
Ardeetookholdofhimbytheelbowanddrewhimintotheroom,talkingall
the while. “I know you’re a great fencer, but I’ve been told your wit is even
sharperthanyoursword.Somuchsoinfact,thatyouonlyuseyourswordupon
your friends, as your wit is far too deadly.” She looked at him expectantly.
Silence.
“Well,”hemumbled,“Idofenceabit.”Pathetic.Utterlyawful.
“Isthistherightman,ordoIhavethegardenerhere?”Shelookedhimover
with a strange expression, hard to read. Perhaps it was the same sort of look
Jezalwouldhavewhileexaminingahorsehewasthinkingofbuying:cautious,
searching, intent, and ever so slightly disdainful. “Even the gardeners have
splendiduniforms,itseems.”
Jezalwasalmostsurethathadbeensomekindofinsult,buthewastoobusy
tryingtothinkofsomethingwittytopayittoomuchmind.Heknewhewould
havetospeaknoworspendtheentiredayinembarrassedsilence,soheopened
his mouth and trusted to luck. “I’m sorry if I seem dumbfounded, but Major
West is such an unattractive man. How could I have expected so beautiful a
sister?”
West snorted with laughter. His sister raised an eyebrow, and counted the
points off on her fingers. “Mildly offensive to my brother, which is good.
Somewhatamusing,whichisalsogood.Honest,whichisrefreshing,andwildly
complimentary to me, which, of course, is excellent. A little late, but on the
wholeworthwaitingfor.”ShelookedJezalintheeye.“Theafternoonmightnot
beatotalloss.”
Jezalwasn’tsurehelikedthatlastcomment,andhewasn’tsurehelikedthe
wayshelookedathim,buthewasenjoyinglookingather,sohewaspreparedto
forgive a lot. The women of his acquaintance rarely said anything clever,
especiallythefine-lookingones.Hesupposedtheyweretrainedtosmileandnod
andlistenwhilethemendidthetalking.Onthewholeheagreedwiththatway
ofdoingthings,buttheclevernesssatwellonWest’ssister,andshehadmore
thancaughthiscuriosity.Fatandpeevishwereoffthemenu,ofthattherecould
beno doubt.As forcoarse, well,handsome peopleare nevercoarse, arethey?
Just…unconventional.Hewasbeginningtothinkthattheafternoon,asshehad
said,mightnotbeatotalloss.
Westmadeforthedoor.“ItseemsImustleaveyoutwotomakefoolsofone
another.LordMarshalBurrisexpectingme.Don’tdoanythingIwouldn’t,eh?”
ThecommentseemedtobeaimedatJezal,butWestwaslookingathissister.
“That would seem to allow virtually everything,” she said, catching Jezal’s
eye. He was amazed to feel himself blushing like a little girl, and he coughed
andlookeddownathisshoes.
Westrolledhiseyes.“Mercy,”hesaid,asthedoorclickedshut.
“Wouldyoucareforadrink?”Ardeeasked,alreadypouringwineintoaglass.
Alone with a beautiful young woman. Hardly a new experience, Jezal told
himself,andyetheseemedtobelackinghisusualconfidence.
“Yes,thankyou,mostkind.”Yes,adrink,adrink,justthethingtosteadythe
nerves. She held the glass out to him and poured another for herself. He
wonderedifayoungladyshouldbedrinkingatthistimeofday,butitseemed
pointlesstosayanything.Shewasn’thissister,afterall.
“Tellme,Captain,howdoyouknowmybrother?”
“Well, he’s my commanding officer, and we fence together.” His brain was
beginningtofunctionagain.“Butthen…youknowthatalready.”
She grinned at him. “Of course, but my governess always maintained that
youngmenshouldbeallowedtheirshareoftheconversation.”
Jezal gave an ungainly cough as he was swallowing and spilled some wine
downhisjacket.“Ohdear,”hesaid.
“Here, take this a moment.” She gave him her glass and he took it without
thinking,butthenfoundhimselfwithoutafreehand.Whenshestarteddabbing
athischestwithawhitehandkerchiefhecouldhardlyobject,thoughitdidseem
ratherforward.Beinghonest,hemighthaveobjectedifshewasn’tsodamnfine-
looking.Hewonderedifsherealisedwhatanexcellentviewshewasgivinghim
downthefrontofherdress,butofcoursenot,howcouldshe?Shewassimply
newhere,unused tocourtlymanners,theartlesswaysofacountry girlandso
forth…niceviewthough,therewasnodenyingthat.
“There, that’s better,” she said, though the dabbing had made no apparent
difference.Nottohisuniformanyway.Shetooktheglassesfromhim,drained
herownquicklywithapractisedflickofherheadandshovedthemonthetable.
“Shallwego?”
“Yes…ofcourse.Oh,”andheofferedherhisarm.
Sheledhimoutintothecorridoranddownthestairs,chattingfreely.Itwasa
flurryofconversationalblowsand,asMarshalVaruzhadpointedoutearlier,his
defence was weak. He parried desperately as they made their way across the
wideSquareofMarshals,buthecouldbarelygetawordin.Itseemedasthough
itwasArdeewhohadbeenlivingthereforyearsandJezalwhowasthebumpkin
fromtheprovinces.
“The Halls Martial are behind there?” She nodded over at the looming wall
that separated the headquarters of the Union’s armies from the rest of the
Agriont.
“Indeedtheyare.ThatiswheretheLordMarshalshavetheiroffices,andso
forth.Andtherearebarracksthere,andarmouries,and,er…”Hetrailedoff.He
couldnotthinkofmuchelsetosay,butArdeecametohisrescue.
“Somybrothermustbesomewhereinthere.He’squitethefamoussoldier,I
suppose.FirstthroughthebreachatUlrioch,andsoon.”
“Well,yes,MajorWestisverywellrespectedhere…”
“Hecanbesuchabore,though,can’the?Hedoessolovetobemysterious
and troubled.” She put on a faint, faraway smile and rubbed her chin
thoughtfully, just as her brother might have done. She had captured the man
perfectly,andJezalhadtolaugh,buthewasstartingtowonderifsheshouldbe
walkingquitesoclosebesidehim,holdinghisarminquitesointimateaway.
Notthatheobjectedofcourse.Quitethereverse,butpeoplewerelooking.
“Ardee—”hesaid.
“SothismustbetheKingsway.”
“Er,yes,Ardee—”
ShewasgazingupatthemagnificentstatueofHarodtheGreat,hissterneyes
fixedonthemiddledistance.“HarodtheGreat?”sheasked.
“Er, yes. In the dark ages, before there was a Union, he fought to bring the
ThreeKingdomstogether.HewasthefirstHighKing.”Youidiot,thoughtJezal,
sheknowsthatalready,everyonedoes.“Ardee,Ithinkyourbrotherwouldnot
—”
“AndthisisBayaz,theFirstoftheMagi?”
“Yes,hewasHarod’smosttrustedadviser.Ardee—”
“IsittruetheystillkeepavacantseatforhimintheClosedCouncil?”
Jezalwastakenaback.“I’dheardthatthere’sanemptychairthere,butIdidn’t
knowthat—”
“Theyalllooksoserious,don’tthey?”
“Er…Isupposethosewereserioustimes,”hesaid,grinninglamely.
AKnightHeraldthundereddowntheavenueonahuge,well-latheredhorse,
the sun glinting on the golden wings of his helmet. Secretaries scattered to let
him pass, and Jezal tried to guide Ardee gently out of the way. To his great
dismaysherefusedtobemoved.Thehorseflashedpastwithinafewinchesof
her,closeenoughforthewindtoflickherhairinJezal’sface.Sheturnedtohim
with a flush of excitement on her cheek, otherwise utterly undaunted by her
brushwithsevereinjury.
“AKnightHerald?”sheasked,takingJezal’sarmonceagainandleadinghim
offdowntheKingsway.
“Yes,”squeakedJezal,desperatelytryingtobringhisvoiceundercontrol,“the
Knights Herald are entrusted with a grave responsibility. They carry messages
from the King to every part of the Union.” His heart had stopped hammering.
“Even across the Circle Sea to Angland, Dagoska, and Westport. They are
entrustedtospeakwiththeKing’svoice,andsoforbiddenfromspeakingexcept
ontheKing’sbusiness.”
“FedordanHadenwasontheboatonourwayover,he’saKnightHerald.We
talked for hours.” Jezal attempted unsuccessfully to contain his surprise. “We
talked about Adua, about the Union, about his family. Your name was
mentioned,actually.”Jezalfailedtolooknonchalantonceagain.“Inconnection
withthecomingContest.”Ardeeleanedevenclosertohim.“Fedorwasofthe
opinionthatBremerdanGorstwillcutyoutopieces.”
Jezalgaveastrangledcough,butheralliedwell.“Unfortunately,thatopinion
seemswidelyheld.”
“Butnotbyyou,Itrust?”
“Er…”
Shestoppedand took him by thehand,staringearnestly into his eyes.“I’m
surethatyou’llgetthebetterofhim,nomatterwhattheysay.Mybrotherspeaks
veryhighlyofyou,andhe’sstingywithhispraise.”
“Er…” mumbled Jezal. His fingers were tingling pleasantly. Her eyes were
biganddark,andhefoundhimselfgreatlyatalossforwords.Shehadthisway
of biting on her lower lip that made his thoughts stray. A fine, full lip. He
wouldn’thavemindedhavingalittlechewonithimself.“Well,thankyou.”He
gaveagormlessgrin.
“So this is the park,” said Ardee, turning away from him to admire the
greenery.“It’sevenmorebeautifulthanI’dimagined.”
“Erm…yes.”
“Howwonderful,tobeattheheartofthings.I’vespentsomuchofmylifeon
theedge.Theremustbemanyimportantdecisionsmadehere,manyimportant
people.”Ardeeallowedherhandtotrailthroughthefrondsofawillowtreeby
theroad.“Collem’sworriedtheremightbewarintheNorth.Hewasworriedfor
mysafety.Ithinkthat’swhyhewantedmetocomehere.Ithinkheworriestoo
much.Whatdoyouthink,CaptainLuthar?”
He had been in blissful ignorance of the political situation until a couple of
hours before, but that would never do as a reply. “Well,” he said, straining to
rememberthename,andthenwithrelief,“thisBethodcoulddowitharaponthe
knuckles.”
“They say he has twenty thousand Northmen under his banner.” She leaned
towardshim. “Barbarians,”she murmured.“Savages,” shewhispered.“I heard
heskinshiscaptivesalive.”
Jezal thought this was hardly suitable conversation for a young lady.
“Ardee…”hebegan.
“ButI’msurewithmenlikeyouandmybrothertoprotectus,wewomenfolk
havenothingtoworryabout.”And sheturnedand madeoffupthepath. Jezal
hadtohurryonceagaintocatchup.
“AndisthattheHouseoftheMaker?”Ardeenoddedtowardsthegrimoutline
ofthehugetower.
“Why,yesitis.”
“Doesnoonegoinside?”
“Noone.Notinmylifetimeanyway.Thebridgeiskeptbehindlockandkey.”
Hefrownedupatthetower.Seemedstrangenow,thatheneverthoughtaboutit.
LivingintheAgriont,itwasalwaysthere.Youjustgotusedtoitsomehow.“The
placeissealed,Ibelieve.”
“Sealed?”Ardeemovedveryclosetohim.Jezalglancedaroundnervouslybut
nobody was looking. “Isn’t it strange that nobody goes in there? Isn’t it a
mystery?”Hecouldalmostfeelherbreathonhisneck,“Imeantosay,whynot
justbreakthedoordown?”
Jezal was finding it horribly difficult to concentrate with her so close. He
wondered for a moment, both frightening and exciting, whether she might be
flirtingwithhim?No,no,ofcoursenot!Just notused tothe citywas all.The
artlesswaysofacountrygirl…butthenshewasveryclose.Ifonlyshewerea
little less attractive or a little less confident. If only she were a little less…
West’ssister.
He coughed and looked off down the path, hoping vainly for a distraction.
There were a few people moving along it, but no one that he recognised,
unless…Ardee’sspellwassuddenlybroken,andJezalfelthisskingocold.A
hunched figure, overdressed on this sunny day, was limping toward them,
leaningheavilyonacane.Hewasbentover and wincing with every step, the
faster-movingtravellersgivinghimawideberth.JezaltriedtosteerArdeeaway
before he saw them, but she resisted gracefully and made a direct line for the
shamblingInquisitor.
Hisheadsnappedupastheyapproachedandhiseyesglintedwithrecognition.
Jezal’sheartsank.Therewasnoavoidinghimnow.
“Why, Captain Luthar,” said Glokta warmly, shuffling a little too close and
shakinghishand,“whatapleasure!I’msurprisedthatVaruzhasletyougoso
earlyintheday.Hemustbemellowinginhisoldage.”
“TheLordMarshalisstillmostdemanding,”snappedJezal.
“I hope my Practicals didn’t inconvenience you the other night.” The
Inquisitorshookhisheadsadly.“Theyhavenomanners.Nomannersatall.But
theyaretheverybestatwhattheydo!Iswear,theKingdoesn’thavetwomore
valuableservants.”
“I suppose we all serve the King in our own way.” There was a little more
hostilityinJezal’svoicethanhehadintended.
IfGloktawasoffendedhedidn’t show it. “Quite so. I don’tbelieve I know
yourfriend.”
“No.Thisis—”
“Actually,we’vemet,”saidArdee,muchtoJezal’ssurprise,givingherhand
totheInquisitor.“ArdeeWest.”
Glokta’s eyebrows rose. “No!” He bent down stiffly tokiss the back of her
hand.Jezalsawhismouthtwistashestraightenedup,butthetoothlessgrinsoon
returned.“CollemWest’ssister!Butyouaresomuchchanged.”
“Forthebetter,Ihope,”shelaughed.Jezalfelthorriblyuncomfortable.
“Why—yesindeed,”saidGlokta.
“And you are changed also, Sand.” Ardee looked suddenly very sad. “We
were all so worried in my family. We hoped and hoped for your safe return.”
Jezal saw a spasm run over Glokta’s face. “Then when we heard you were
hurt…howareyou?”
The Inquisitor glanced at Jezal, his eyes cold as a slow death. Jezal stared
downathisboots,alumpoffearinhisthroat.Hehadnoneedtobescaredof
this cripple, did he? But somehow he wished he was still at fencing practice.
Glokta stared at Ardee, his left eye twitching slightly, and she looked back at
himundaunted,hereyesfullofquietconcern.
“I am well. As well as can be expected.” His expression had turned very
strange.Jezalfeltmoreuncomfortablethanever.“Thankyouforasking.Truly.
Nobodyeverdoes.”
Therewasanawkwardsilence.TheInquisitorstretchedhisnecksidewaysand
therewasa loudclick.“Ah!”hesaid,“that’sgotit.It’sbeenapleasuretosee
you again, both of you, but duty calls.” He treated them to another revolting
smilethenhobbledoff,hisleftfootscrapinginthegravel.
Ardeefrownedathistwistedbackashelimpedslowlyaway.“It’ssosad,”she
saidunderherbreath.
“What?”mumbledJezal.Hewasthinkingaboutthatbigwhitebastardinthe
street, those narrow pink eyes. The prisoner with the bag on his head. We all
servetheKinginourownway.Quiteso.Hegaveaninvoluntaryshiver.
“He and my brother used to be quite close. He came to stay with us one
summer.Myfamilyweresoproudtohavehimitwasembarrassing.Heusedto
fencewithmybrothereveryday,andhealwayswon.Thewayhemoved,itwas
something to see. Sand dan Glokta. He was the brightest star in the sky.” She
flashedherknowinghalf-smileagain.“AndnowIhearyouare.”
“Er…”saidJezal,notsurewhethershewas praisinghimorpoking fun.He
couldnotescapethefeelingthathehadbeenout-fencedtwicethatday,onceby
eachsibling.
Heratherfanciedthatthesisterhadgivenhimtheworsebeating.
TheMorningRitual
Itwasabrightsummersday,andtheparkwasfilledtocapacitywithcolourful
revellers. Colonel Glokta strode manfully toward some meeting of great
importance,peoplebowingandscrapingrespectfullyawaytogivehimroom.He
ignored most, favoured the more important ones with his brilliant smile. The
luckyfewbeamedbackathim,delightedtobenoticed.
“I suppose we all serve the King in our own way,” whined Captain Luthar,
reachingfor his steel, butGloktawasfar too quick forhim.His blade flashed
withlightningspeed,catchingthesneeringidiotthroughtheneck.
BloodsplatteredacrossArdeeWest’sface.Sheclappedherhandsindelight,
lookingatGloktawithshiningeyes.
Luthar seemed surprised to be killed. “Hah. Quite so,” said Glokta with a
smile.TheCaptainpitchedoverontohisface,bloodpouringfromhispunctured
throat. The crowd roared their appreciation and Glokta indulged them with a
deep,gracefulbow.Thecheeringwasredoubled.
“Oh, Colonel, you shouldn’t,” murmured Ardee as Glokta licked the blood
fromhercheek.
“Shouldn’twhat?”he growled, tipping her back in hisarmsandkissing her
fiercely.Thecrowdwereinafrenzy.Shegaspedashebrokeaway,lookingupat
himadoringlywiththosebigdarkeyesofhers,lipsslightlyparted.
“TheArthEctorwanthyou,”shesaidwithacomelysmile.
“What?”Thecrowdhadfallensilent,damnthem,andhisleftsidewasturning
numb.
Ardeetouchedhimtenderlyonthecheek.“TheArthEctor!”sheshouted.
Therewasaheavyknockatthedoor.Glokta’seyesflickedopen.WhereamI?
WhoamI?
Ohno.
Ohyes.Herealisedstraightawayhehadbeensleepingbadly,his bodywas
twistedroundundertheblankets,hisfacepushedintothepillow.Hiswholeleft
sidewasdead.
The beating on the door came heavier than before. “The Arth Ector!” came
Frost’stonguelessbellowfromtheotherside.
PainshotthroughGlokta’sneckashetriedtoraisehisheadfromthepillow.
Ah, there’s nothing like the first spasm of the day to get the mind working.
“Alright!”hecroaked,“givemeaminute,damnit!”
Thealbino’sheavyfootstepsthuddedawaydownthecorridor.Gloktalaystill
for a moment, then cautiously moved his right arm, ever so slowly, breath
raspingwiththeeffort,andtriedtotwisthimselfontohisback.Heclenchedhis
fist as the needling started in his left leg. If only the damn thing would stay
numb.Butthepainwascomingonfastnow.Hewasalsobecomingawareofan
unpleasantsmell.Damnit.I’veshitmyselfagain.
“Barnam!” howled Glokta, then waited, panting, left side throbbing with a
vengeance. Where is the old idiot? “Barnam!” he screamed at the top of his
lungs.
“Areyoualright,sir?”cametheservant’svoicefrombeyondthedoor.
Alright?Alright,youoldfool?JustwhendoyouthinkIwaslastalright?“No,
damnit!I’vesoiledthebed!”
“I’veboiledwaterforabath,sir.Canyougetup?”
OncebeforeFrosthadhadtobreakthedoordown.MaybeIshouldletitstand
open all night, but then how could I sleep? “I think I can manage,” Glokta
hissed,tonguepressedintohisemptygums,armstremblingashehauledhimself
outofthebedandontothechairbesideit.
Hisgrotesque,toeless left leg twitched to itself,stillbeyond his control. He
glared down at it with a burning hatred. Fucking horrible thing. Revolting,
uselesslumpofflesh.Whydidn’ttheyjustcutyouoff?Whydon’tIstill?Buthe
knewwhynot.Withhislegstillonhecouldatleastpretendtobehalfaman.He
punched his withered thigh, then immediately regretted it. Stupid, stupid. The
paincreptuphisback,alittlemoreintensethanbefore,andgrowingwithevery
second. Come now, come now, let’s not fight. He started to rub gently at the
wastedflesh.Wearestuckwitheachother,sowhytormentme?
“Canyougettothedoor,sir?”Gloktawrinkledhisnoseatthesmellthentook
holdofhiscaneandslowly,agonisingly,pushedhimselftohisfeet.Hehobbled
across the room, almost slipping halfway there but righting himself with a
searing twinge. He turned the key in the lock, leaning against the wall for
balance,andhauledthedooropen.
Barnamwasstandingontheotherside,hisarmsoutstretched,readytocatch
him. The ignominy of it. To think that I, Sand dan Glokta, the greatest
swordsmantheUnionhaseverseen,mustbecarriedtomybathbyanoldman
sothatIcanwashmyownshitoff.Theymustbelaughingloudnow,allthose
fools I beat, if they still remember me. I’d be laughing too, if it didn’t hurt so
much. But he let the weight off his left leg and put his arm round Barnam’s
shoulderswithoutcomplaint.What’stheuseafterall?Mightaswellmakeiteasy
formyself.Aseasyasitcanbe.
Glokta took a deep breath. “Go gently, the leg hasn’t woken up yet.” They
hopped and stumbled down the corridor, slightly too narrow for both of them
together.Thebathroomseemedamileaway.Ormore.I’dratherwalkahundred
milesasIusedtobe,thantothebathroomasIam.Butthat’smybadluckisn’t
it?Youcan’tgoback.Notever.
The steam felt deliciously warm on Glokta’s clammy skin. With Barnam
holdinghimunderthearmsheslowlyliftedhisrightlegandputitgingerlyinto
thewater.Damn it,that’shot.Theoldservanthelpedhimgettheotherlegin,
then, taking him under the armpits, lowered him like a child, until he was
immerseduptohisneck.
“Ahhh.”Gloktacrackedatoothlesssmile.“HotastheMakersforge,Barnam,
justthewayIlikeit.”Theheatwasgettingintothelegnow,andthepainwas
subsiding.Not gone. Never gone. But better. A lot better. Glokta began to feel
almostasifhecouldfaceanotherday.Youhavetolearntolovethesmallthings
inlife,likeahotbath.Youhavetolovethesmallthings,whenyou’venothing
else.
Practical Frost was waiting for him downstairs in the tiny dining room, his
bulkwedgedintoalowchairagainstthewall.Gloktasaggedintotheotherchair
andcaughtawhifffromthesteamingporridgebowl,woodenspoonstickingup
atananglewithouteventouchingtheside.Hisstomachrumbledandhismouth
beganwateringfiercely.Allthesymptoms,infact,ofextremenausea.
“Hurray!”shoutedGlokta.“Porridgeagain!”Helookedoveratthemotionless
Practical. “Porridge and honey, better than money, everything’s funny, with
porridgeandhoney!”
Thepinkeyesdidnotblink.
“It’sarhymeforchildren.Mymotherusedtosingittome.Neveractuallygot
me to eat this slop though. But now,” and he dug the spoon in, “I can’t get
enoughofit.”
Froststaredbackathim.
“Healthy,”saidGlokta,forcingdownamouthfulofsweetmushandspooning
upanother,“delicious,”chokingdownsomemore,“andhere’stherealclincher,”
hegaggedslightlyonthenextswallow,“nochewingrequired.”Heshovedthe
mostlyfullbowlawayandtossed thespoon afterit. “Mmmmm,”he hummed.
“Agoodbreakfastmakesforagoodday,don’tyoufind?”
Itwaslikestaringatawhitewashedwall,butwithoutalltheemotion.
“SotheArchLectorwantsmeagain,doeshe?”
Thealbinonodded.
“And what might our illustrious leader desire with the likes of us, do you
think?”
Ashrug.
“Hmmm.” Glokta licked bits of porridge out of his empty gums. “Does he
seeminagoodmood,doyouknow?”
Anothershrug.
“Come,come,PracticalFrost,don’ttellmeeverythingatonce,Ican’ttakeit
in.”
Silence.Barnamenteredtheroomandclearedawaythebowl.“Doyouwant
anythingelse,sir?”
“Absolutely.Abighalf-rawslabofmeatandanicecrunchyapple.”Helooked
overatPracticalFrost.“IusedtoloveappleswhenIwasachild.”
HowmanytimeshaveImadethatjoke?Frostlookedbackimpassively,there
wasnolaughterthere.Gloktaturnedto Barnam, and the old man gave a tired
smile.
“Ohwell,”sighedGlokta.Amanhastohavehopedoesn’the?”
“Ofcoursesir,”mutteredtheservant,headingforthedoor.
Doeshe?
TheArchLectorsofficewasonthetopflooroftheHouseofQuestions,and
it was a long way up. Worse still, the corridors were busy with people.
Practicals,clerks,Inquisitors,crawlinglikeantsthroughacrumblingdung-hill.
WheneverhefelttheireyesonhimGloktawouldlimpalong,smiling,headheld
high.Wheneverhefelthimselfalonehewouldpauseandgasp,sweatandcurse,
andrubandslapthetenuouslifebackintohisleg.
Whydoesithavetobesohigh?heaskedhimselfasheshuffledupthedim
hallsandwindingstairsofthelabyrinthinebuilding.Bythetimehereachedthe
antechamberhewasexhaustedandblowinghard,lefthandsoreonthehandleof
hiscane.
The Arch Lectors secretary examined him suspiciously from behind a big
darkdeskthattookuphalftheroom.Thereweresomechairsplacedoppositefor
people to get nervous waiting in, and two huge Practicals flanked the great
doubledoorstotheoffice,sostillandgrimastoappearapartofthefurniture.
“Doyouhaveanappointment?”demandedthesecretaryinashrillvoice.You
knowwhoIam,youself-importantlittleshit.
“Ofcourse,”snappedGlokta,“doyouthinkIlimpedallthewayuphereto
admireyourdesk?”
Thesecretarylookeddownhisnoseathim.Hewasapale,handsomeyoung
manwithamopofyellowhair.Thepuffedupfifthsonofsomeminornobleman
withover-activeloins,andhethinkshecanpatroniseme?“Andyournameis?”
heaskedwithasneer.
Glokta’spatiencewaswornoutbytheclimb.Hesmashedhiscanedownon
the top of the desk and the secretary near jumped out of his chair. “What are
you?Afuckingidiot?HowmanycrippledInquisitorsdoyouhavehere?”
“Er…”saidthesecretary,mouthworkingnervously.
“Er?Er?Isthatanumber?Speakup!”
“WellI—”
“I’mGlokta,youdolt!InquisitorGlokta!”
“Yes,sir,I—”
“Get your fat arse out of that chair, fool! Don’t keep me waiting!” The
secretary sprang up, hurried to the doors, pushed one open and stood aside
respectfully.“That’sbetter,”growledGlokta,shufflingafterhim.Helookedup
atthePracticalsashehobbledpast.Hewasalmostsureoneofthemhadaslight
smileonhisface.
Theroomhadhardlychangedsincehewaslastthere,sixyearsbefore.Itwas
a cavernous, round space, domed ceiling carved with gargoyle faces, its one
enormouswindowofferingaspectacularviewoverthespiresoftheUniversity,a
great section of the outer wall of the Agriont, and the looming outline of the
HouseoftheMakerbeyond.
Thechamber was mostlylinedwith shelvesandcabinets,stacked highwith
neatly ordered files and papers. A few dark portraits peered down from the
sparsewhitewalls,includingahugeoneofthecurrentKingoftheUnionasa
youngman,lookingwiseandstern.Nodoubtpaintedbeforehebecameasenile
joke.These daysthere’susually abitless authorityanda bitmorestray drool
abouthim.Therewasaheavyroundtableinthecentreoftheroom,itssurface
paintedwithamapoftheUnion in exquisite detail. Every city in which there
wasadepartmentoftheInquisitionwasmarkedwithapreciousstone,andatiny
silverreplicaofAduaroseoutofthetableatitshub.
The Arch Lector was sitting in an ancient high chair at this table, deep in
conversationwithanotherman:agaunt,balding,sour-facedoldfellowindark
robes. Sult beamed up as Glokta shuffled towards them, the other man’s
expressionhardlychanged.
“Why,InquisitorGlokta,delightedyoucouldjoinus.DoyouknowSurveyor
GeneralHalleck?”
“I have not had the pleasure,” said Glokta. Not that it looks like much of a
pleasure, though. The old bureaucrat stood and shook Glokta’s hand without
enthusiasm.
“AndthisisoneofmyInquisitors,SanddanGlokta.”
“Yesindeed,”murmuredHalleck.“Youusedtobeinthearmy,Ibelieve.Isaw
youfenceonce.”
Gloktatappedhislegwithhiscane.“Thatcan’thavebeenanytimerecently.”
“No.”Therewasasilence.
“The Surveyor General is likely soon to receive a most significant
promotion,” said Sult. “To a chair on the Closed Council itself.” The Closed
Council?Indeed?Amostsignificantpromotion.
Halleckseemedlessthandelighted,however.“Iwillconsideritdonewhenit
ishisMajesty’spleasuretoinviteme,”hesnapped,“andnotbefore.”
Sultfloatedsmoothlyoverthisrockyground.“IamsuretheCouncilfeelsthat
youaretheonlycandidateworthrecommending,nowthatSeppdanTeufelisno
longerbeingconsidered.”OuroldfriendTeufel?Nolongerconsideredforwhat?
Halleckfrownedandshookhishead.“Teufel.Iworkedwiththemanforten
years.Ineverlikedhim,”oranyoneelse,bythelookofyou,“butIwouldnever
havethoughthimatraitor.”
Sultshookhisheadsadly.“Weallfeelitkeenly,buthereishisconfessionin
blackandwhite.”Heheldupthefoldedpaperwithadolefulfrown.“Ifearthe
rootsofcorruptioncanrunverydeep.WhowouldknowthatbetterthanI,whose
sorrytaskitistoweedthegarden?”
“Indeed,indeed,”mutteredHalleck,noddinggrimly.“Youdeserveallofour
thanksforthat.Youalso,Inquisitor.”
“Ohno,notI,”saidGloktahumbly.Thethreemenlookedateachotherina
shamofmutualrespect.
Halleckpushedbackhischair.“Well,taxesdonotcollectthemselves.Imust
returntomywork.”
“Enjoyyourlastfewdaysinthejob,”saidSult.“Igiveyoumywordthatthe
Kingwillsendforyousoon!”
Halleck allowed himself the thinnest of smiles, then nodded stiffly to them
andstalkedaway.Thesecretaryusheredhimoutandpulledtheheavydoorshut.
Therewassilence.ButI’mdamnedifI’llbetheonetobreakit.
“Iexpectyou’rewonderingwhatthiswasallabout,eh,Glokta?”
“Thethoughthadcrossedmymind,yourEminence.”
“Ibetithad.”Sultsweptfromhischairandstrodeacrosstothewindow,his
white-gloved hands clasped behind his back. “The world changes, Glokta, the
world changes. The old order crumbles. Loyalty, duty, pride, honour. Notions
thathavefallenfarfromfashion.Whathasreplacedthem?”Heglancedoverhis
shoulderforamoment,andhislipcurled.“Greed.Merchantshavebecomethe
newpower in theland.Bankers, shopkeepers, salesmen.Littlemen, withlittle
mindsandlittleambitions.Menwhoseonlyloyaltyistothemselves,whoseonly
dutyistotheirownpurses,whoseonlyprideisinswindlingtheirbetters,whose
onlyhonourisweighedoutinsilvercoin.”Noneedtoaskwhereyoustandon
themerchantclass.
Sultscowledoutattheview,thenturnedbackintotheroom.“Nowitseems
anyone’s son can get an education, and a business, and become rich. The
merchantguilds:theMercers,theSpicersandtheirlike,growsteadilyinwealth
and influence. Jumped-up, posturing commoners dictating to their natural
betters. Their fat and greedy fingers, fumbling at the strings of power. It is
almosttoomuchtostand.”Hegaveashudderashepacedacrossthefloor.
“I will speak honestly with you, Inquisitor.” The Arch Lector waved his
gracefulhandasthoughhishonestywereapricelessgift.“TheUnionhasnever
seemedmorepowerful,hasnevercontrolledmoreland,butbeneaththefaçade
weareweak.Itis hardly a secret that the King has becomeentirelyunableto
makehisowndecisions.CrownPrinceLadislaisafop,surroundedbyflatterers
and fools, caring for nothing but gambling and clothes. Prince Raynault is far
better fitted to rule, but he is the younger brother. The Closed Council, whose
taskitshouldbetosteerthisleakingvessel,ispackedwithfraudsandschemers.
Somemaybeloyal,somearedefinitelynot,eachintentonpullingtheKinghis
own way.” How frustrating, when I suppose they should all be pulling him in
yours?
“Meanwhile, the Union is beset with enemies, dangers outside our borders,
anddangerswithin.GurkhulhasanewandvigorousEmperor,fittinghiscountry
foranotherwar.TheNorthmenareupinarmsaswell,skulkingonthebordersof
Angland.IntheOpenCouncilthenoblemenclamourforancientrights,whilein
thevillagesthepeasantsclamourfornewones.”Hegaveadeepsigh.“Yes,the
oldordercrumbles,andnoonehastheheartorthestomachtosupportit.”
Sultpaused,staringupatoneoftheportraits:ahefty,baldmandressedallin
white. Glokta recognised him well enough. Zoller, the greatest of all Arch
Lectors.TirelesschampionoftheInquisition,herotothetorturer,scourgeofthe
disloyal.Heglareddownbalefullyfromthewall,asthoughevenbeyonddeath
hecouldburntraitorswithaglance.
“Zoller,”growled Sult.“Thingswere differentin his day,Ican tellyou.No
whingingpeasantsthen,noswindlingmerchants,nosulkingnoblemen.Ifmen
forgottheirplacetheywereremindedwithhotiron,andanycarpingjudgewho
daredtowhineaboutitwasneverheardfromagain.TheInquisitionwasanoble
institution,filledwiththebestandthebrightest.ToservetheirKingandtoroot
outdisloyaltyweretheironlydesires,andtheironlyrewards.”Oh,thingswere
grandintheolddays.
TheArchLectorslidbackintohisseatandleanedforwardacrossthetable.
“Nowwehavebecomeaplacewherethirdsonsofimpoverishednoblemencan
linetheirpocketswithbribes,orwherenear-criminalscumcanindulgeapassion
for torture. Our influence with the King has been steadily eroded, our budgets
havebeensteadilycut.Oncewewerefearedandrespected,Glokta,butnow…”
We’re a miserable sham. Sult frowned, “Well, less so. Intrigues and treasons
abound,andIfearthattheInquisitionisnolongerequaltoitstask.Toomanyof
theSuperiors cannolonger be trusted.They are nolonger concerned withthe
interestsoftheKing,orofthestate,orofanybody’sinterestsbeyondtheirown.”
TheSuperiors?Nottobetrusted?Iswoonwiththeshock.Sult’sfrowngrewstill
deeper.“AndnowFeektisdead.”
Gloktalookedup.Nowthatisnews.“TheLordChancellor?”
“Itwillbecomepublicknowledgetomorrowmorning.Hediedsuddenlyafew
nights ago, while you were busy with your friend Rews. There are still some
questionssurroundinghisdeath,butthemanwasnearlyninety.Thesurpriseis
that he lasted this long. The golden Chancellor they called him, the greatest
politicianofhisday.Evennowtheyaresettinghislikenessinstone,forastatue
ontheKingsway.”Sultsnortedtohimself.“Thegreatestgiftthatanyofuscan
hopefor.”
The Arch Lectors eyes narrowed to blue slits. “If you have any childish
notionsthattheUnioniscontrolledbyitsKing,orbythosepratingblue-blood
fools on the Open Council, you can let them wilt now. The Closed Council is
wherethe powerlies.More than eversince the King’s illness.Twelvemen, in
twelve big, uncomfortable chairs, myself among them. Twelve men with very
differentideas,andfortwentyyears,warandpeace,Feektheldusinbalance.He
playedofftheInquisitionagainstthejudges,thebankersagainstthemilitary.He
wastheaxleon whichthe Kingdomturned,thefoundationonwhich itrested,
and his death has left a hole. All kinds of gaping holes, and people will be
rushing to fill them. I have a feeling that whining ass Marovia, that bleeding
heartofaHighJustice,thatself-appointedchampionofthecommonman,will
befirstinthequeue.Itisafluid,andadangerous,situation.”TheArchLector
plantedhisfistsfirmlyonthetablebeforehim.“Wemustensurethatthewrong
peopledonottakeadvantageofit.”
Gloktanodded.IthinkItakeyourmeaning,ArchLector.Wemustensurethat
itiswewhotakeadvantage,andnooneelse.
“It need hardly be said that the post of Lord Chancellor is one of the most
powerfulintherealm.Thegatheringoftaxes,thetreasury,theKing’smints,all
comeunder his auspices.Money,Glokta, money. Andmoneyis power,Ineed
hardly tell you. A new Chancellor will be appointed tomorrow. The foremost
candidate was our erstwhile Master of the Mints, Sepp dan Teufel.” I see.
Somethingtellsmehewillnolongerbeunderconsideration.
Sult’slipcurled.“Teufelwascloselylinkedwiththemerchantguilds,andthe
Mercersinparticular.”Hissneerbecameascowl.“Inadditiontowhichhewas
anassociateofHighJusticeMarovia.So,yousee,hewouldhardlyhavemadea
suitable Lord Chancellor.” No indeed. Hardly suitable. “Surveyor General
Halleckisafarbetterchoice,inmyopinion.”
Gloktalookedtowardsthedoor.“Him?LordChancellor?”
Sult got up smiling and moved over to a cabinet against the wall. “There
really is no one else. Everyone hates him, and he hates everyone, except me.
Furthermore,heisahard-nosedconservative,whodespisesthemerchantclass
andeverythingtheystandfor.”Heopenedthecabinetandtookouttwoglasses
andanornatedecanter.“IfnotexactlyafriendlyfaceontheCouncil,hewillat
least be a sympathetic one, and damned hostile toward everyone else. I can
hardlythinkofamoresuitablecandidate.”
Gloktanodded.“Heseemshonest.”ButnotsohonestthatI’dtrusthimtoput
meinthebath.Wouldyou,yourEminence?
“Yes,”saidSult,“hewillbeveryvaluabletous.”Hepouredouttwoglasses
ofrichredwine.“Andjustasabonus,Iwasabletoarrangeforasympathetic
new Master of the Mints as well. I hear that the Mercers are absolutely biting
theirtonguesoffwithfury.Marovia’snonetoohappyeither,thebastard.”Sult
chuckledtohimself.“Allgoodnews,andwehaveyoutothank.”Heheldout
oneoftheglasses.
Poison?AslowdeathtwitchingandpukingontheArchLectorslovelymosaic
floor?Orjustpitchingontomyfaceonhistable?Buttherewasreallynooption
but to grasp the glass and take a hearty swig. The wine was unfamiliar but
delicious.Probablyfromsomewhereverybeautifulandfaraway.AtleastifIdie
uphereIwonthavetomakeitbackdownallthosesteps.ButtheArchLector
was drinking too, all smiles and good grace. So I suppose I will last out the
afternoon,afterall.
“Yes,wehavemadeagoodfirststep.Thesearedangeroustimesalright,and
yet danger and opportunity often walk hand in hand.” Glokta felt a strange
sensation creeping up his back. Is that fear, or ambition, or both? “I need
someone to help me put matters in order. Someone who does not fear the
Superiors,orthemerchants,oreventheClosedCouncil.Someonewhocanbe
relied upon to act with subtlety, and discretion, and ruthlessness. Someone
whoseloyaltytotheUnionisbeyondquestion,butwhohasnofriendswithinthe
government.” Someone who’s hated by everyone? Someone to take the fall if
thingsturnsour?Someonewhowillhavefewmournersattheirfuneral?
“IhaveneedofanInquisitorExempt,Glokta.Someonetooperatebeyondthe
Superiors’control,butwithmyfullauthority.Someoneanswerableonlytome.”
TheArchLectorraisedaneyebrow,asthoughthethoughthadonlyjustcometo
him.“Itstrikesmethatyouareexceptionallywellsuitedtothistask.Whatdo
youthink?”
Ithinktheholderofsuchapostwouldhaveagreatmanyenemiesandonly
onefriend.GloktapeeredupattheArchLector.Andthatfriendmightnotbeso
veryreliable.Ithinktheholderofsuchapostmightnotlastlong.“CouldIhave
sometimetoconsiderit?”
“No.”
Dangerandopportunityoftenwalkhandinhand…“ThenIaccept.”
“Excellent.Idobelievethisisthestartofalongandproductiverelationship.”
Sult smiled at him over the rim of his glass. “You know, Glokta, of all the
merchantsgrubbingawayoutthere,itistheMercersIfindthemostunpalatable.
ItwaslargelythroughtheirinfluencethatWestportenteredtheUnion,anditwas
becauseofWestport’smoneythatwewontheGurkishwar.TheKingrewarded
them,ofcourse,withpricelesstradingrights,buteversincethentheirarrogance
has been insufferable. Anyone would have thought they fought the battles
themselves,fortheairstheyhaveputon,andthelibertiestheyhavetaken.The
honourableGuildofMercers,”hesneered.“Itoccurstome,nowthatyourfriend
Rewshasgivenusthemeanstohooktheminsodeeply,itwouldbeashameto
letthemwrigglefree.”
Gloktawasmuchsurprised,thoughhethoughthehiditwell.Togofurther?
Why? The Mercers wriggle free and they keep on paying, and that keeps all
kinds of people happy. As things are, they’re scared and soft—wondering who
Rewsnamed,whomightbenextinthechair.Ifwegofurthertheymaybehurt,
or finished entirely. Then they’ll stop paying, and a lot of people will be
unhappy. Some of them in this very building. “I can easily continue my
investigations, your Eminence, if you would like me to.” Glokta took another
sip.Itreallywasanexcellentwine.
“We must be cautious. Cautious and very thorough. The Mercers’ money
flowslikemilk.Theyhavemanyfriends,evenamongstthehighestcirclesofthe
nobility. Brock, Heugen, Isher, and plenty more besides. Some of the very
greatestmenintheland.They’veallbeenknowntosuckatthattit,onetimeor
another, and babies will cry when their milk is snatched away.” A cruel grin
flickered across Sult’s face. “But still, if children are to learn discipline, they
must sometimes be made to weep… who did that worm Rews name in his
confession?”
Glokta leaned forward painfully and slid Rews’ paper of confession toward
him,unfoldeditandscannedthelistofnamesfrombottomtotop.
“SeppdanTeufel,weallknow.”
“Oh,weknowandlovehim,Inquisitor,”saidSult,beamingdown,“butIfeel
wemaysafelycrosshimoffthelist.Whoelse?”
“Well, let’s see,” Glokta took a leisurely look back at the paper. “There’s
HarodPolst,aMercer.”Anobody.
Sultwavedhishandimpatiently.“He’snobody.”
“SolimoScandi,aMercerfromWestport.”Alsonobody.
“No, no, Glokta, we can do better than Solimo what’s-his-name can’t we?
TheselittleMercersareofnorealinterest.Pulluptheroot,andtheleavesdieby
themselves.”
“Quite so, Arch Lector. We have Villem dan Robb, minor nobility, holds a
juniorcustomspost.”Sultlookedthoughtful,shookhishead.“Thenthere’s—”
“Wait! Villem dan Robb…” The Arch Lector snapped his fingers, “His
brother Kiral is one of the Queen’s gentlemen. He snubbed me at a social
gathering.”Sultsmiled.“Yes,VillemdanRobb,bringhimin.”
And so we go deeper. “I serve and obey, your Eminence. Is there anyone’s
nameinparticularthatneedbementioned?”Gloktasetdownhisemptyglass.
“No.”TheArchLectorturnedawayandwavedhishandagain.“Anyof’em,
allof’em.Idon’tcare.”
FirstoftheMagi
Thelakestretchedaway,fringedbysteeprocksanddrippinggreenery,surface
pricked by the rain, flat and grey as far as the eye could see. Logen’s eye
couldn’tseetoofarinthisweather,ithadtobesaid.Theoppositeshorecould
havebeenahundredstridesaway,butthecalmwaterslookeddeep.Verydeep.
Logen had long ago given up any attempt at staying dry, and the water ran
throughhishairanddownhisface,drippedfromhisnose,hisfingers,hischin.
Beingwet,tired,andhungryhadbecomeapartoflife.Itoftenhadbeen,come
tothinkonit.Heclosedhiseyesandfelttherainpatteragainsthisskin,heard
thewaterlappingontheshingle.Hekneltbythelake,pulledthestopperfrom
hisflaskandpusheditunderthesurface,watchedthebubblesbreakasitfilled
up.
MalacusQuaistumbledoutofthebushes,breathingfastandshallow.Hesank
downtohisknees,crawledagainsttherootsofatree,coughedoutphlegmonto
thepebbles.Hiscoughingsoundedbadnow.Itcamerightupfromhisgutsand
madehiswholeribcagerattle.Hewasevenpalerthanhehadbeenwhenthey
firstmet, andalot thinner.Logenwassomewhat thinnertoo.These werelean
times,allinall.Hewalkedovertothehaggardapprenticeandsquatteddown.
“Just give me a moment.” Quai closed his sunken eyes and tipped his head
back.“Justamoment.”Hismouthhungopen,thetendonsinhisscrawnyneck
standingout.Helookedlikeacorpsealready.
“Don’tresttoolong.Youmightnevergetup.”
Logenheldouttheflask.Quaididn’tevenlifthisarmtotakeit,soLogenput
itagainsthislipsandtippeditupalittle.Hetookawincingswallow,coughed,
thenhisheaddroppedbackagainstthetreelikeastone.
“Doyouknowwhereweare?”askedLogen.
The apprentice blinked out at the water as though he’d only just noticed it.
“Thismustbethenorthendofthelake…thereshouldbeatrack.”Hisvoicehad
sunktoawhisper.“Atthesouthernendthere’saroadwithtwostones.”Hegave
a sudden violent cough, swallowed with difficulty. “Follow the road over the
bridgeandyou’rethere,”hecroaked.
Logenlooked offalongthebeach atthe drippingtrees.“How farisit?” No
answer. He took hold of the sick man’s bony shoulder and shook it. Quai’s
eyelidsflickeredopen,hestaredupblearily,tryingtofocus.“Howfar?”
“Fortymiles.”
Logensuckedhisteeth.Quaiwouldn’tbewalkingfortymiles.He’dbelucky
tomakefortystridesonhisown.Heknewitwellenough,youcouldseeitinhis
eyes. He’d be dead soon, Logen reckoned, a few days at the most. He’d seen
strongermendieofafever.
Fortymiles.Logenthoughtaboutitcarefully,rubbinghischinwithhisthumb.
Fortymiles.
“Shit,”hewhispered.
Hedraggedthepackoverandpulleditopen.Theyhadsomefoodleft,butnot
much. A few shreds of tough dried meat, a heel of mouldy black bread. He
lookedoutoverthelake,sopeaceful.Theywouldn’tberunningoutofdrinking
wateranytimesoonatleast.Hepulledhisheavycookpotoutofhispackandset
itdownontheshingle.They’dbeentogetheralongtime,buttherewasnothing
lefttocook.Youcan’tbecomeattachedtothings,notouthereinthewild.He
tossed the rope away into the bushes, then threw the lightened pack over his
shoulder.
Quai’s eyes had closed again, and he was scarcely breathing. Logen still
rememberedthefirsttimehehadtoleavesomeonebehind,remembereditlikeit
wasyesterday.Strangehowtheboy’snamehadgonebutthefacewaswithhim
still.
TheShankahadtakenapieceoutofhisthigh.Abigpiece.He’dmoanedall
the way, he couldn’t walk. The wound was going bad, he was dying anyway.
Theyhadtoleavehim.NoonehadblamedLogenforit.Theboyhadbeentoo
young,he should neverhavegone. Badluckwas all,couldhappen toanyone.
He’dcriedafterthemastheymadetheirwaydownthehillsideinagrim,silent
group,headsdown.Logenseemedtohearthecriesevenwhenthey’dlefthim
farbehind.Hecouldstillhearthem.
Inthewarsithadbeendifferent.Mendroppedfromthecolumnsallthetime
onthelongmarches,inthecoldmonths.Firsttheyfelltotheback,thentheyfell
behind,thentheyfellover.Thecold,thesick,thewounded.Logenshiveredand
hunchedhisshoulders.Atfirsthe’dtriedtohelpthem.Thenhebecamegrateful
he wasn’t one of them. Then he stepped over the corpses and hardly noticed
them. You learn to tell when someone isn’t getting up again. He looked at
Malacus Quai. One more death in the wild was nothing to remark upon. You
havetoberealistic,afterall.
Theapprenticestartedfromhisfitfulsleepandtriedtopushhimselfup.His
handswereshakingbad.HelookedupatLogen,eyesglitteringbright.“Ican’t
getup,”hecroaked.
“I know. I’m surprised you made it this far.” It didn’t matter so much now.
Logenknewtheway.Ifhecouldfindthattrackhemightmaketwentymilesa
day.
“Ifyouleavemesomeofthefood…perhaps…afteryougettothelibrary…
someone…”
“No,”saidLogen,settinghisjaw.“Ineedthefood.”
Quaimadeastrangesound,somewherebetweenacoughandasob.
LogenleaneddownandsethisrightshoulderinQuai’sstomach,pushedhis
arm under his back. “I can’t carry you forty miles without it,” and he
straightened up, hauling the apprentice over his shoulder. He set off down the
shore, holding Quai in place by his jacket, his boots crunching into the wet
shingle.Theapprenticedidn’tevenmove,justhungtherelikeasackofwetrags,
hislimparmsknockingagainstthebacksofLogen’slegs.
Whenhe’dmadeitthirtystridesorsoLogenturnedaroundandlookedback.
Thepotwassittingforlornbythelake,alreadyfillingupwithrainwater.They’d
beenthroughalottogether,himandthatpot.
“Fareyouwell,oldfriend.”
Thepotdidnotreply.
Logen set his shivering burden gently down at the side of the road and
stretchedhisachingback,scratchedatthedirtybandageonhisarm,tookadrink
ofwaterfromhisflask.Waterwastheonlythingtohavepassedhissorelipsthat
day,andthehungerwasgnawingathisguts.Atleastithadstoppedraining.You
havetolearntolovethesmallthingsinlife,likedryboots.Youhavetolovethe
smallthings,whenyou’venothingelse.
Logenspatinthedirtandrubbedthelifebackintohisfingers.Therewasno
missingtheplace,thatwassure.Thetwostonestoweredovertheroad,ancient
andpitted,patchedwithgreenmossatthebaseandgreylichenhigherup.They
were covered in faded carvings, lines of letters in a script Logen couldn’t
understand, didn’t even recognise. There was a forbidding feel about them
though,asensemoreofwarningthanwelcome.
“TheFirstLaw…”
“What?”saidLogen,surprised.Quaihadbeeninanunpleasantplacebetween
sleepand wakingeversince theyleftthe potbehindtwo daysbefore.The pot
couldhavemademoremeaningfulsoundsinthattime.ThatmorningLogenhad
wokentofindhimscarcelybreathing.He’dbeensurethathewasdead,tobegin
with,butthemanwasstillclingingweaklytolife.Hedidn’tgiveupeasy,you
hadtogivehimthat.
LogenkneltdownandshovedthewethairoutofQuai’sface.Theapprentice
suddenlygrabbedhiswristandstartedforward.
“It’sforbidden,”hewhispered,staringatLogenwithwideeyes,“totouchthe
OtherSide!”
“Eh?”
“Tospeakwithdevils,” he croaked, grabbing hold of Logen’sbattered coat.
“Thecreaturesoftheworldbelowaremadeoflies!Youmustn’tdoit!”
“Iwon’t,”mutteredLogen,wonderingifhe’deverknowwhattheapprentice
wastalkingabout.“Iwon’t.Forwhatthat’sworth.”
Itwasn’tworthmuch.Quaihadalreadydroppedbackintohistwitchinghalf-
sleep.Logenchewedathislip.Hehopedtheapprenticewouldwakeagain,but
hedidn’tthinkitlikely.Still,perhapsthisBayazwouldbeabletodosomething,
hewastheFirstoftheMagiafterall,greatinhighwisdomandsoon.SoLogen
heftedQuaiupontohisshoulderagainandtrudgedbetweentheancientstones.
Theroadclimbedsteepintotherocksabovethelake,herebuiltup,therecut
deepintothestonyground.Itwaswornandpittedwithage,pockedwithweeds.
It switched back on itself again and again, and soon Logen was panting and
sweating,hislegsburningwiththeeffort.Hispacebegantoslow.
Thefactwas,hewasgettingtired.Notjusttiredfromtheclimb,orfromthe
back-breaking slog he’d walked that day with a half-dead apprentice over his
shoulder,orfromtheslogthedaybefore,orevenfromthefightinthewoods.
Hewastiredofeverything.OftheShanka,ofthewars,ofhiswholelife.
“I can’t walk for ever, Malacus, I can’t fight for ever. How much of this
horribleshitshouldamanhavetotake?Ineedtositdownaminute.Inaproper
fuckingchair!Isthattoomuchtoask?Isit?”Inthisframeofmind,cursingand
grumblingateverystep,andwithQuai’sheadknockingagainsthisarse,Logen
cametothebridge.
Itwasasancientastheroad,coatedwithcreepers,simpleandslender,arching
maybe twenty strides across a dizzying gorge. Far below a river surged over
jaggedrocks,fillingtheairwithnoiseandshiningspray.Onthefarsideahigh
wallhadbeenbuiltbetweentoweringfacesofmossystone,madewithsuchcare
itwasdifficulttosaywherethenaturalcliffendedandtheman-madeonebegan.
A single ancient door was set into it, faced with beaten copper, turned streaky
greenbythewetandtheyears.
AsLogenpickedhiswaycarefullyacrosstheslipperystonehefoundhimself
wondering,throughforceofhabit,howyoucouldstormthisplace.Youcouldn’t.
Notwithathousandpickedmen.Therewasonlyanarrowshelfofrockbefore
thedoor,noroomtosetaladderorswingaram.Thewallwastenstrideshighat
least,andthegatehadadreadfulsolidlook.Andifthedefendersweretobring
down the bridge… Logen peered over the edge, and swallowed. It was a long
waydown.
Hetooka deepbreathand thumpedonthedampgreencopperwithhisfist.
Fourbig,boomingknocks.He’dbeatonthegatesofCarleonlikethat,afterthe
battle,anditspeoplehadrushedtosurrender.Noonerushedtodoanythingnow.
Hewaited.Heknockedagain.Hewaited.Hebecamewetterandwetterinthe
mist from the river. He ground his teeth. He raised his arm to knock again. A
narrowhatchsnappedopen,andapairofrheumyeyesstaredathimcoldlyfrom
betweenthickbars.
“Who’sthisnow?”snappedagruffvoice.
“LogenNinefingersismyname.I’ve—”
“Neverheardofyou.”
Hardly the welcome Logen had been hoping for. “I’ve come to see Bayaz.”
Noreply.“TheFirstofthe—”
“Yes.He’shere.”Butthedoordidn’topen.“Heisn’ttakingvisitors.Itoldthat
tothelastmessenger.”
“I’mnomessenger,IhaveMalacusQuaiwithme.”
“Malacawhat?”
“Quai,theapprentice.”
“Apprentice?”
“He’sveryill,”saidLogenslowly.“Hemaydie.”
“Ill,yousay?Die,wasit?”
“Yes.”
“Andwhatwasyournameagain—”
“Just open the fucking door!” Logen shook his fist pointlessly at the slot.
“Please.”
“Wedon’tletjustanyonein…holdup.Showmeyourhands.”
“What?”
“Yourhands.”Logenheldhishandsup.Thewateryeyesmovedslowlyacross
hisfingers.“Therearenine.There’sonemissing,see?”Heshovedthestumpat
thehatch.
“Nine,isit?Youshouldhavesaid.”
Boltsclankedandthedoorcreakedslowlyopen.Anelderlyman,bentunder
anold-fashionedsuitofarmour,wasstaringathimsuspiciouslyfromtheother
side.Hewasholdingalongswordmuchtooheavyforhim.Itspointwobbled
aroundwildlyashestrainedtokeepitupright.
Logenhelduphishands.“Isurrender.”
Theancientgatekeeperwasnotamused.HegruntedsourlyasLogenstepped
pasthim,thenhewrestledthedoorshutandfumbledwiththebolts,turnedand
trudged away without another word. Logen followed him up a narrow valley
linedwithstrangehouses,weatheredand mossy,half dugintothesteeprocks,
mergingwiththemountainside.
Adour-facedwomanwasworkingataspinningwheelonadoorstep,andshe
frowned at Logen as he walked past with the unconscious apprentice over his
shoulder.Logensmiledbackather.Shewasnobeauty,thatwassure,butithad
beenaverylongtime.Thewomanduckedintoherhouseandkickedthedoor
shut,leavingthewheelspinning.Logensighed.Theoldmagicwasstillthere.
The next house was a bakery with a squat, smoking chimney. The smell of
bakingbreadmadeLogen’semptystomachrumble.Furtheron,acoupleofdark-
haired children were laughing and playing, running round a scrubby old tree.
TheyremindedLogenofhisownchildren.Theydidn’tlookanythinglikethem,
buthewasinamorbidframeofmind.
Hehadtoadmittobeingalittledisappointed.He’dbeenexpectingsomething
cleverer-looking, and a lot more beards. These folk didn’t seem so very wise.
Theylookedjustlikeanyotherpeasants.Notunlikehisownvillagehadlooked
before the Shanka came. He wondered if he was in the right place. Then they
roundedabendintheroad.
Threegreat,taperingtowerswerebuiltintothemountainsideahead,joinedat
theirbasesbutseparatinghigherup,coveredindarkivy.Theyseemedfarolder
eventhantheancientbridgeandroad,asoldasthemountainitself.Ajumbled
messofotherbuildingscrowdedaroundtheirfeet,stragglingaroundthesidesof
a wide courtyard in which people were busy with everyday chores. A thin
womanwaschurningsomemilkonastoop.Astockyblacksmithwastryingto
shoe a restless mare. An old, bald butcher in a stained apron had finished
choppingupsomeanimalandwaswashinghisbloodyforearmsinatrough.
And on a set of wide steps before the tallest of the three towers sat a
magnificent old man. He was dressed all in white, with a long beard, a hook
nose, and white hair spilling from under a white skull-cap. Logen was
impressed, finally. The First of the Magi surely looked the part. As Logen
shuffledtowardshimhestartedupfromthestepsandhurriedover,whitecoat
flappingbehindhim.
“Sethimdownhere,”hemuttered,indicatingapatchofgrassbythewell,and
LogenkneltanddumpedQuaiontheground,asgentlyashecouldwithhisback
achingsomuch.Theoldmanbentoverhim,laidagnarledhandonhisforehead.
“Ibroughtyourapprenticeback,”mutteredLogenpointlessly.
“Mine?”
“Aren’tyouBayaz?”
Theoldmanlaughed.“Ohno,IamWells,headservanthereattheLibrary.”
“I am Bayaz,” came a voice from behind. The butcher was walking slowly
toward them, wiping his hands on a cloth. He looked maybe sixty but heavily
built,withastrongface,deeplylined,andaclose-croppedgreybeardaroundhis
mouth.Hewasentirelybald,andtheafternoonsunshonebrightlyoffhistanned
pate. He was neither handsome nor majestic, but as he came closer there did
seemtobesomethingabouthim.Anassurance,anairofcommand.Amanused
togivingorders,andtobeingobeyed.
The First of the Magi took Logen’s left hand in both of his and pressed it
warmly.Thenheturneditoverandexaminedthestumpofhismissingfinger.
“Logen Ninefingers, then. The one they call the Bloody-Nine. I have heard
storiesaboutyou,evenshutuphereinmylibrary.”
Logen winced. He could guess what sort of stories the old man might have
heard.“Thatwasalongtimeago.”
“Ofcourse.Weallhaveapast,eh?Imakenojudgementsonhearsay.”And
Bayaz smiled. A broad, white, beaming smile. His face lit up with friendly
creases,butahardnesslingeredaroundhiseyes,deep-setandglisteninggreen.A
stonyhardness. Logen grinnedback,but he reckonedalreadythat he wouldn’t
wanttomakeanenemyofthisman.
“Andyouhavebrought our missing lamb back to thefold.”Bayazfrowned
downatMalacusQuai,motionlessonthegrass.“Howishe?”
“Ithinkhewilllive,sir,”saidWells,“butweshouldgethimoutofthecold.”
TheFirstoftheMagisnappedhisfingersandasharpcrackechoedfromthe
buildings. “Help him.” The smith hurried forward and took Quai’s feet, and
togetherheandWellscarriedtheapprenticethroughthetalldoorintothelibrary.
“Now, Master Ninefingers, I have called and you have answered, and that
showsgoodmanners.MannersmightbeoutoffashionintheNorth,butIwant
youtoknowthatIappreciatethem.Courtesyshouldbeansweredwithcourtesy,
Ihavealwaysthought.Butwhat’sthisnow?”Theoldgatekeeperwashurrying
backacrosstheyard,greatlyoutofbreath.“Twovisitorsinoneday?Whatever
next?”
“Master Bayaz!” wheezed the gatekeeper, “there’s riders at the gate, well
horsedandwellarmed!Theysaythey’veanurgentmessagefromtheKingof
theNorthmen!”
Bethod.Ithadtobe.Thespiritshadsaidhehadgivenhimselfagoldenhat,
and who else would have dared to call himself King of the Northmen? Logen
swallowed.He’dgotawayfromtheirlastmeetingwithhislifeandnothingelse,
andyetitwasbetterthanmanyhadmanaged,farbetter.
“Well,master?”askedthegatekeeper,“shallItellthemtobeoff?”
“Wholeadsthem?”
“Afancyladwithasourface.Saidhe’sthisKing’ssonorsomething.”
“WasitCalderorScale?They’rebothsomethingsour.”
“Theyoungerone,Ireckon.”
Calderthen,thatwassomething.Eitheronewasbad,butScalewasmuchthe
worse. Both together were an experience to be avoided. Bayaz seemed to
consideramoment.“PrinceCaldermayenter,buthismenmustremainbeyond
thebridge.”
“Yessir,beyondthebridge.”Thegatekeeperwheezedaway.He’dlovethat,
wouldCalder.Logenwasgreatlytickledbythethoughtoftheso-calledPrince
screaminguselesslythroughthatlittleslot.
“TheKingoftheNorthmennow,canyouimagine?”Bayazstaredabsentlyoff
downthevalley.“IknewBethodwhenhewasnotsogrand.Andsodidyou,eh,
MasterNinefingers?”
Logen frowned. He’d known Bethod when he was next to nothing, a little
chieftainlikesomanyothers.LogenhadcomeforhelpagainsttheShanka,and
Bethodhadgivenit,ataprice.Backthen,thepricehadseemedlight,andwell
worth the paying. Just to fight. To kill a few men. Logen had always found
killing easy, and Bethod had seemed a man well worth fighting for—bold,
proud, ruthless, venomously ambitious. All qualities that Logen had admired,
backthen,allqualitieshethoughthehadhimself.Buttimehadchangedthem
both,andthepricehadrisen.
“He used to be a better man,” Bayaz was musing, “but crowns sit badly on
somepeople.Doyouknowhissons?”
“BetterthanI’dlike.”
Bayaznodded.“They’reabsoluteshit,aren’tthey?AndIfearnowtheywill
neverimprove.ImaginethatpinheadScaleaking.Ugh!”Thewizardshuddered.
“Italmostmakesyouwanttowishhisfatheralonglife.Almost,butnotquite.”
ThelittlegirlthatLogenhadseenplayingscurriedover.Shehadachainof
yellowflowersinherhands,andsheheldituptotheoldwizard.“Imadethis,”
shesaid.Logencouldheartherapidpoundingofhoovescominguptheroad.
“For me? How perfectly charming.” Bayaz took the flowers from her.
“Excellent work, my dear. The Master Maker himself could not have done
better.”
Theriderclatteredoutintotheyard,pulledhishorseupsavagelyandswung
fromthesaddle.Calder.Theyears hadbeen kinderto himthan toLogen, that
muchwasclear.Hewasdressedallinfineblackstrimmedwithdarkfur.Abig
red jewel flashed on his finger, the hilt of his sword was set with gold. He’d
grownandfilledout,halfthesizeofhisbrotherScale,butabigmanstill.His
pale,proudfacewasprettymuchasLogenrememberedthough,thinlipstwisted
inapermanentsneer.
Hethrewhisreinsatthewomanchurningmilkthenstrodebrisklyacrossthe
yard, glowering about him, his long hair flapping in the breeze. When he was
abouttenstridesawayhesawLogen.Hisjawdropped.Caldertookashocked
halfstepbackandhishandtwitchedtowardshissword.Thenhesmiledacold
littlesmile.
“Soyou’vetakentokeepingdogshaveyou,Bayaz?I’dwatchthisone.He’s
beenknowntobitehismastershand.”Hislipcurledfurther.“Icouldputhim
downforyouifyou’dlike.”
Logen shrugged. Hard words are for fools and cowards. Calder might have
beenboth,butLogenwasneither.Ifyoumeantokill,you’rebettergettingright
toitthantalkingaboutit.Talk onlymakes theother manready, andthat’sthe
lastthingyouwant.SoLogensaidnothing.Caldercouldtakethatforweakness
if he pleased, and so much the better. Fights might find Logen depressingly
often,buthewaslong,longpastlookingforthem.
Bethod’ssecondsonturnedhiscontemptontheFirstoftheMagi.“Myfather
willbedispleased,Bayaz!Thatmymenmustwaitoutsidethegateshowslittle
respect!”
“ButIhavesolittle,PrinceCalder,”saidthewizardcalmly.“Pleasedon’tbe
downhearted, though. Your last messenger wasn’t allowed over the bridge, so
youseewe’remakingprogress.”
Calderscowled.“Whyhaveyounotansweredmyfatherssummons?”
“There are so many demands on my time.” Bayaz held up the chain of
flowers.“Thesedon’tmakethemselves,youknow.”
ThePrincewas not amused. “My father,” heboomed,“Bethod,King of the
Northmen,commandsyoutoattenduponhimatCarleon!”Heclearedhisthroat.
“Hewillnot…”Hecoughed.
“What?”demandedBayaz.“Speakup,child!”
“He commands…” The Prince coughed again, spluttered, choked. He put a
handtohisthroat.Theairseemedtohavebecomeverystill.
“Commands, does he?” Bayaz frowned. “Bring great Juvens back from the
land of the dead. He may command me. He alone, and no other.” The frown
grewdeeper still,andLogen hadtoresist astrangedesire toback away. “You
maynot.Normayyourfather,whateverhecallshimself.”
Calder sank slowly to his knees, face twisted, eyes watering. Bayaz looked
himupanddown.“Whatsolemnattire,didsomebodydie?Here,”andhetossed
the chain of flowers over the Prince’s head. “A little colour may lighten your
mood.Tellyourfatherhemustcomehimself.Idonotwastemytimeonfools
andyoungersons.Iamoldfashionedinthis.Iliketotalktothehorse’shead,
notthehorse’sarse.Doyouunderstandme,boy?”Calderwassaggingsideways,
eyesredandbulging.TheFirstoftheMagiwavedhishand.“Youmaygo.”
The Prince heaved in a ragged breath, coughed and reeled to his feet,
stumbled for his horse and hauled himself up into the saddle with a deal less
gracethanhehadgotdown.Heshotamurderousglanceoverhisshoulderashe
madeforthegate,butitdidn’thavequitethesameweightwithhisfaceredasa
slappedarse.Logenrealisedhewasgrinning,wide.Itwasalongtimesincehe’d
enjoyedhimselfthismuch.
“Iunderstandthatyoucanspeaktothespirits.”
Logenwascaughtoffguard.“Eh?”
“Tospeaktothespirits.”Bayazshookhishead.“Itisararegiftinthesetimes.
Howarethey?”
“What,thespirits?”
“Yes.”
“Dwindling.”
“Soontheywillallsleep,eh?Themagicleaksoutoftheworld.Thatistheset
orderofthings.Overtheyearsmyknowledgehasgrown,andyetmypowerhas
diminished.”
“Calderseemedimpressed.”
“Bah.”Bayazwavedhishand.“Amerenothing.Alittletrickofairandflesh,
easily done. No, believe me, the magic ebbs away. It is a fact. A natural law.
Still,therearemanywaystocrackanegg,eh,myfriend?Ifonetoolfailsthen
wemusttryanother.”Logenwasnolongerentirelysurewhattheyweretalking
about,buthewastootiredtoask.
“Yes, indeed,” murmured the First of the Magi. “There are many ways to
crackanegg.Speakingofwhich,youlookhungry.”
Logen’s mouth flooded with spit at the very mention of food. “Yes,” he
mumbled.“Yes…Icouldeat.”
“Ofcourse.”Bayazclappedhimwarmlyontheshoulder.“Andthenperhapsa
bath?Notthatweareoffendedofcourse,butIfindthatthereisnothingmore
soothingthanhotwaterafteralongwalk,andyou,Isuspect,havehadavery
longwalkindeed.Comewithme,MasterNinefingers,you’resafehere.”
Food.Bath.Safety. Logenhadto stophimselffrom weepingashe followed
theoldmanintothelibrary.
TheGoodMan
Itwasa hot, hot dayoutside,and the sun shonebrightlythroughthe many-
panedwindows,castingcriss-crosspatternsonthewoodenflooroftheaudience
chamber. It was mid-afternoon,andthe room was soupy warmandstuffy as a
kitchen.
FortisdanHoff,theLordChamberlain,wasred-facedandsweatyinhisfur-
trimmed robes of state, and had been in an increasingly filthy mood all
afternoon. Harlen Morrow, his Under-Secretary for Audiences, looked even
more uncomfortable, but then he had his terror of Hoff to contend with, in
additiontotheheat.Bothmenseemedgreatlydistressedintheirownways,but
atleasttheygottositdown.
MajorWestwassweatingsteadilyintohisembroidereddressuniform.Hehad
been standing in the same position, hands behind his back, teeth gritted, for
nearly two hours while Lord Hoff sulked and grumbled and bellowed his way
throughtheapplicantsandanyoneelseinview.Westferventlywished,andnot
forthefirsttimethatafternoon,thathewaslyingunderatreeinthepark,witha
strongdrink.Orperhapsunderaglacier,entombedwithintheice.Anywherebut
here.
Standing guard on these horrible audiences was hardly one of West’s more
pleasantduties,butitcouldhavebeenworse.Youhadtospareathoughtforthe
eightsoldiersstoodaroundthewalls:theywereinfullarmour.Westwaswaiting
foroneofthemtopassoutandcrashtothefloorwithasoundlikeacupboard
fullofsaucepans,nodoubttothegreatdisgustoftheLordChamberlain,butso
fartheywereallsomehowstayingupright.
“Why is this damned room always the wrong temperature?” Hoff was
demandingtoknow,asiftheheatwasaninsultdirectedsolelyathim.“It’stoo
hothalftheyear,toocoldtheotherhalf!There’snoairinhere,noairatall!Why
don’tthesewindowsopen?Whycan’twehaveabiggerroom?”
“Er…”mumbledtheharassedUnder-Secretary,pushinghisspectaclesuphis
sweaty nose, “requests for audiences have always been held here, my Lord
Chamberlain.”Hepausedunderthefearsomegazeofhissuperior.“Er…itis…
traditional?”
“I know that, you dolt!” thundered Hoff, face crimson with heat and fury.
“Whoaskedforyourdamnfoolofanopinionanyway?”
“Yes,thatistosay,no,”stutteredMorrow,“thatistosay,quiteso,myLord.”
Hoffshookhisheadwithamightyfrown,staringaroundtheroominsearchof
somethingelsetodispleasehim.“Howmanymoremustweenduretoday?”
“Er…fourmore,yourGrace.”
“Damnit!”thunderedtheChamberlain,shiftinginhishugechairandflapping
his fur-trimmed collar to let some air in. “This is intolerable!” West found
himselfinsilentagreement.Hoffsnatchedupasilvergobletfromthetableand
tookagreatslurpofwine.Hewasagreatonefordrinking,indeedhehadbeen
drinkingallafternoon.Ithadnotimprovedhistemper.“Who’sthenextfool?”he
demanded.
“Er…”Morrow squintedat alarge documentthrough hisspectacles,tracing
acrossthecrabbywritingwithaninkyfinger.“GoodmanHeathisnext,afarmer
from—”
“A farmer? A farmer did you say? So we must sit in this ridiculous heat,
listeningtosomedamncommonermoanonabouthowtheweatherhasaffected
hissheep?”
“Well, my Lord,” muttered Morrow, “it does seem as though, er, Goodman
Heathhas,er,alegitimategrievanceagainsthis,er,landlord,and—”
“Damn it all! I am sick to my stomach of other people’s grievances!” The
LordChamberlaintookanotherswallowofwine.“Showtheidiotin!”
ThedoorswereopenedandGoodmanHeathwasallowedintotheirpresence.
Tounderlinethebalanceofpowerwithintheroom,theLordChamberlain’stable
wasraiseduponahighdais,sothatevenstandingthepoormanhadtolookup
at them. An honest face, but very gaunt. He held a battered hat before him in
tremblinghands.Westshruggedhisshouldersindiscomfortasadropofsweat
randownhisback.
“YouareGoodmanHeath,correct?”
“Yes,myLord,”mumbledthepeasantinabroadaccent,“from—”
Hoff cut him off with consummate rudeness. “And you come before us
seekinganaudiencewithhisAugustMajesty,theHighKingoftheUnion?”
Goodman Heath licked his lips. West wondered how far he had come to be
madeafoolof.Averylongway,mostlikely.“Myfamilyhavebeenputoffour
land.Thelandlordsaidwehadnotbeenpayingtherentbut—”
The Lord Chamberlain waved a hand. “Plainly this is a matter for the
Commission for Land and Agriculture. His August Majesty the King is
concerned with the welfare of all his subjects, no matter how mean,” West
almost winced at this slight, “but he cannot be expected to give personal
attentiontoeverytriflingthing.Histimeisvaluable,andsoismine.Goodday.”
Andthatwasit.TwoofthesoldierspulledthedoubledoorsopenforGoodman
Heathtoleave.
Thepeasant’sfacehadgoneverypale,hisknuckleswringingatthebrimof
his hat. “Good my Lord,” he stammered, “I’ve already been to the
Commission…”
Hoff looked up sharply, making the farmer stammer to a halt. “Good day, I
said!”
The peasant’s shoulders slumped. He took a last look around the room.
Morrowwasexaminingsomethingonthefarwallwithgreatinterestandrefused
tomeethiseye.TheLordChamberlainstaredbackathimangrily,infuriatedby
thisunforgivablewasteofhistime.Westfeltsicktobeapartofit.Heathturned
andshuffledaway,headbowed.Thedoorsswungshut.
Hoffbashedhisfistonthetable.“Didyouseethat?”Hestaredroundfiercely
atthesweatingassembly.“Thesheer gallofthe man!Didyou seethat,Major
West?”
“Yes, my Lord Chamberlain, I saw it all,” said West stiffly. “It was a
disgrace.”
Fortunately,Hoffdid not takehiswhole meaning. “A disgrace, MajorWest,
youarequiteright!Whythehellisitthatallthepromisingyoungmengointo
thearmy?Iwanttoknowwhoisresponsibleforlettingthesebeggarsinhere!”
HeglaredattheUnder-Secretary,whoswallowedandstaredathisdocuments.
“What’snext?”
“Er,” mumbled Morrow, “Coster dan Kault, Magister of the Guild of
Mercers.”
“I know who he is, damn it!” snapped Hoff, wiping a fresh sheen of sweat
fromhisface.“Ifitisn’tthedamnpeasantsit’sthedamnmerchants!”heroared
at the soldiers by the door, his voice easily loud enough to be heard in the
corridoroutside.“Showthegrubbingoldswindlerin,then!”
MagisterKaultcouldhardlyhavepresentedamoredifferentappearancefrom
theprevioussupplicant.Hewasabig,plumpman,withafaceassoftashiseyes
were hard. His purple vesture of office was embroidered with yards of golden
thread, so ostentatious that the Emperor of Gurkhul himself might have been
embarrassedtowearit.HewasaccompaniedbyapairofseniorMercers,their
own attire scarcely less magnificent. West wondered if Goodman Heath could
earnenoughintenyearstopayforoneofthosegowns.Hedecidednot,evenif
hehadn’tbeenthrownoffhisland.
“My Lord Chamberlain,” intoned Kault with an elaborate bow. Hoff
acknowledgedtheheadoftheGuildofMercersasfaintlyashumanlypossible,
witharaisedeyebrowandanalmostimperceptibletwistofthelip.Kaultwaited
for a greeting which he felt more befitting of his station, but none was
forthcoming. He noisily cleared his throat. “I have come to seek an audience
withhisAugustMajesty—”
TheLordChamberlainsnorted.“Thepurposeofthissessionistodecidewho
isworthyofhisMajesty’sattention.Ifyouaren’tseekinganaudiencewithhim
you have blundered into the wrong room.” It was already clear that this
interview would be every bit as unsuccessful as the last. There was a kind of
horriblejusticetoit,Westsupposed.Thegreatandthesmallweretreatedexactly
alike.
Magister Kault’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he continued. “The honourable
Guild of Mercers, of whom I am the humble representative…” Hoff slurped
wine noisily and Kault was obliged to pause for a moment. “…have been the
victimsofamostmaliciousandmischievousattack—”
“Fill this up, would you?” yelled the Lord Chamberlain, waving his empty
gobletatMorrow.TheUnder-Secretaryslippedeagerlyfromhischairandseized
thedecanter.Kaultwasforcedtowait,teethgritted,whilethewinegurgledout.
“Continue!”blusteredHoff,wavinghishand,“wedon’thaveallday!”
“Amostmaliciousandunder-handedattack—”
TheLordChamberlainsquinteddown.“Anattackyousay?Acommonassault
isamatterfortheCityWatch!”
MagisterKaultgrimaced.Heandhistwocompanionswerealreadystartingto
sweat.“Notanattackofthatvariety,myLordChamberlain,butaninsidiousand
underhanded assault, designed to discredit the shining reputation of our Guild,
andtodamageourbusinessinterestsintheFreeCitiesofStyria,andacrossthe
Union. An attack perpetrated by certain deceitful elements of his Majesty’s
Inquisition,and—”
“I have heard enough!” The Lord Chamberlain jerked up his big hand for
silence.“Ifthisisamatteroftrade,thenitshouldbehandledbyHisMajesty’s
CommissionforTradeandCommerce.”Hoffspokeslowlyandprecisely,inthe
mannerofaschool-masteraddressinghismostdisappointingpupil.“Ifthisisa
matter of law, then it should be handled by the department of High Justice
Marovia.If itisa matterofthe internalworkingsof hisMajesty’s Inquisition,
thenyoumustarrangeanappointmentwithArchLectorSult.Inanycase,itis
hardlyamatterfortheattentionofhisAugustMajesty.”
TheheadoftheMercersGuildopenedhismouthbuttheLordChamberlain
spoke over him, voice louder than ever. “Your King employs a Commission,
selectsaHighJustice,andappointsanArchLector,sothatheneednotdealwith
everytrifling issuehimself!Incidentally, that isalso why hegrantslicences to
certainmerchantguilds,andnottolinethepockets…”andhisliptwistedintoan
unpleasant sneer “…of the trading class! Good day.” And the doors were
opened.
Kault’s face had turned pale with anger at that last comment. “You may
depend upon it, Lord Chamberlain,” he said coldly, “that we will seek redress
elsewhere,andwiththeverygreatestofpersistence.”
Hoffglaredbackathimforaverylongwhile.“Seekitwhereveryoulike,”he
growled, “and with as much persistence as you please. But not here. Good…
day!”Ifyoucouldhavestabbedsomeoneinthefacewiththephrase“goodday”,
theheadoftheGuildofMercerswouldhavelaindeadonthefloor.
Kault blinked a couple of times, then turned angrily and strode out with as
muchdignityashecouldmuster.Histwolackeysfollowedcloseonhisheels,
theirfabulousgownsflappingbehindthem.Thedoorswerepushedshut.
Hoffsmashedthetableonceagainwithhisfist.“Anoutrage!”hespluttered.
“Those arrogant swine! Do they seriously think they can flout the King’s law
andstillseektheKing’shelpwhenthingsturnsour?”
“Well,no,”saidMorrow,“ofcourse…”
TheLordChamberlainignoredhisUnder-SecretaryandturnedtoWestwitha
sneering smile. “Still, I fancy I could see the vultures circling around them,
despitethelowceiling,eh,MajorWest?”
“Indeed, my Lord Chamberlain,” mumbled West, thoroughly uncomfortable
and wishing this torture would end. Then he could get back to his sister. His
heartsank.Shewasevenmoreofahandfulthanheremembered.Shewasclever
alright,butheworriedthatshemightbetoocleverforherowngood.Ifonlyshe
would just marry some honest man and be happy. His position here was
precariousenough,withouthermakingaspectacleofherself.
“Vultures, vultures,” Hoff was murmuring to himself. “Nasty-looking birds,
buttheyhavetheiruses.What’snext?”
The sweating Under-Secretary looked even more uncomfortable than before
ashefumbledfortherightwords.“Wehaveapartyof…diplomats?”
The Lord Chamberlain paused, goblet halfway to his mouth. “Diplomats?
Fromwhom?”
“Er…fromthisso-calledKingoftheNorthmen,Bethod.”
Hoff burst out laughing. “Diplomats?” he cackled, mopping his face on his
sleeve.“Savages,youmean!”
The Under-Secretary chuckled unconvincingly. “Ah yes, my Lord, ha, ha!
Savages,ofcourse!”
“But dangerous, eh, Morrow?” snapped the Lord Chamberlain, his good
humourevaporatinginstantly.TheUnder-Secretary’scacklinggurgledtoahalt.
“Verydangerous.Wemustbecareful.Showthemin!”
Therewerefourofthem.Thetwosmallestweregreatbig,fierce-lookingmen,
scarredandbearded,cladinheavybatteredarmour.Theyhadbeendisarmedat
the gate of the Agriont, of course, but there was still a sense of danger about
them,andWesthadthefeelingtheywouldhavegivenupalotofbig,well-worn
weapons. These were the sort of men who were crowded on the borders of
Angland,hungryforwar,notfarfromWest’shome.
Withthemcameanolderman,alsoinpittedarmour,andwithlonghairanda
great white beard. There was a livid scar across his face and through his eye,
whichwasblindwhite.Hehadabroadsmileonhislipsthough,andhispleasant
demeanourwasgreatlyatoddswiththatofhistwodourcompanions,andwith
thefourthman,whocamebehind.
Hehadtostooptogetunderthelintel,whichwasagoodsevenfeetabovethe
floor.Hewasswathedandhoodedinaroughbrowncloak,featuresinvisible.As
he straightened up, towering over everyone else, the room began to seem
absurdly cramped. His sheer bulk was intimidating, but there was something
more, something that seemed to come off him in sickly waves. The soldiers
aroundthewallsfeltit,andtheyshifteduncomfortably.TheUnder-Secretaryfor
Audiencesfeltit,sweatingandtwitchingandfussingwithhisdocuments.Major
Westcertainlyfeltit.Hisskinhadgonecolddespitetheheat,andhecouldfeel
everyhaironhisbodystandingupunderhisdampuniform.
Only Hoff seemed unaffected. He looked the four Northmen up and down
withadeepfrownonhisface,nomoreimpressedwiththehoodedgiantthanhe
had been with Goodman Heath. “So you are messengers from Bethod.” He
rolled the words around in his mouth, then spat them out, “The King of the
Northmen.”
“We are,” said the smiling old man, bowing with great reverence. “I am
White-EyeHansul.”Hisvoicewasrich,roundandpleasant,withoutanyaccent,
notatallwhatWesthadbeenexpecting.
“And you are Bethod’s emissary?” asked Hoff casually, taking another
swallowof wine from hisgoblet.Forthe first timeeverWestwaspleasedthe
Lord Chamberlain was in the room with him, but then he glanced up at the
hoodedmanandthefeelingofuneasereturned.
“Ohno,”saidWhite-Eye,“Iamheremerelyastranslator.Thisistheemissary
oftheKingoftheNorthmen,”andhisgoodeyeflickednervouslyuptothedark
figureinthecloak,asthoughevenhewasafraid.“Fenris.”Hestretchedoutthe
“s”ontheendofthenamesothatithissedintheair.“FenristheFeared.”
Anapt nameindeed.Major West thought backto songs hehad heard inhis
childhood, stories of bloodthirsty giants in the mountains of the distant north.
Theroomwassilentforamoment.
“Humph,”saidtheLordChamberlain,unmoved.“Andyouseekanaudience
withhisAugustMajesty,theHighKingoftheUnion?”
“We do indeed, my Lord Chamberlain,” said the old warrior. “Our master,
Bethod,greatlyregretsthehostilitybetweenourtwonations.Hewishesonlyto
beonthebestoftermswithhissouthernneighbours.Webringanofferofpeace
frommyKingtoyours,andagifttoshowourgoodfaith.Nothingmore.”
“Well,well,”saidHoff,sittingbackinhishighchairwithabroadsmile.“A
gracious request, graciously made. You may see the King in Open Council
tomorrow,andpresentyouroffer,andyourgift,beforetheforemostpeersofthe
realm.”
White-Eyebowed respectfully. “Youaremost kind, my Lord Chamberlain.”
Heturnedforthedoor,followedbythetwodour warriors.The cloakedfigure
lingered for a moment, then he too slowly turned and stooped through the
doorway.Itwasn’tuntilthedoorswereshutthatWestcouldbreatheeasilyagain.
He shook his head and shrugged his sweaty shoulders. Songs about giants
indeed. A great big man in a cloak was all. But looking again, that doorway
reallywasveryhigh…
“There, you see, Master Morrow?” Hoff looked intensely pleased with
himself. “Hardly the savages you led me to expect! I feel we are close to a
resolutionofournorthernproblems,don’tyou?”
TheUnder-Secretarydidnotlookintheleastconvinced.“Er…yes,myLord,
ofcourse.”
“Yes indeed. A lot of fuss over nothing. A lot of pessimistic, defeatist
nonsensefromourjumpycitizensupnorth,eh?War?Bah!”Hoffwhackedhis
handonthe tableagain,makingwineslopoutofhisgobletandspatteron the
wood. “These Northmen wouldn’t dare! Why, next thing you know they’ll be
petitioningusformembershipoftheUnion!YouseeifI’mnotright,eh,Major
West?”
“Er…”
“Good! Excellent! We’ve got something done today at least! One more and
wecangetoutofthisdamnfurnace!Whodowehave,Morrow?”
TheUnder-Secretaryfrowned andpushedhis glasses uphisnose. “Er… we
haveoneYoruSulfur,”hewrestledwiththeunfamiliarname.
“Wehaveawho?”
“Er…Sulfir,orSulfor,orsomething.”
“Neverheardofhim,”gruntedtheLordChamberlain,“whatmannerofaman
ishe?Somekindofasoutherner?Notanotherpeasant,please!”
TheUnder-Secretaryexaminedhisnotes,andswallowed.“Anemissary?”
“Yes,yes,butfromwhom?”
Morrow was positively cringing, like a child expecting a slap. “From the
GreatOrderofMagi!”heblurtedout.
Therewasamomentofstunnedsilence.West’seyebrowswentupandhisjaw
came open, and he guessed that the same was happening, unseen, behind the
visorsofthesoldiers.Hewincedinstinctivelyasheanticipatedtheresponseof
the Lord Chamberlain, but Hoff surprised them all by bursting into peals of
laughter.“Excellent!Atlastsomeentertainment.It’sbeenyearssincewehada
Magushere!Showinthewizard!Wemustn’tkeephimwaiting!
YoruSulfurwassomethingofadisappointment.Hehadsimple,travel-stained
clothes,wasscarcelybetterdressedthanGoodmanHeathhadbeen,infact.His
staffwasnotshodwithgold,hadnolumpofshiningcrystalontheend.Hiseye
didnotflashwithamysteriousfire.Helookedafairlyordinarysortofamanin
hismiddlethirties, slightly tired, as thoughafteralongjourney, but otherwise
wellathiseasebeforetheLordChamberlain.
“A good day to you, gentlemen,” he said, leaning on his staff. West was
havingsomedifficultyworkingoutwherehewasfrom.NottheUnion,because
hisskinwastoodark,andnotGurkhulorthefarsouth,becausehisskinwastoo
light.NotfromtheNorthorfromStyria.Furtherthen,butwhere?NowthatWest
lookedathimmorecloselyhenoticedthathiseyesweredifferentcolours:one
blue,onegreen.
“Andagooddaytoyou,sir,”saidHoff,smilingasthoughhereallymeantit.
“My door is forever open to the Great Order of Magi. Tell me, do I have the
pleasureofaddressinggreatBayazhimself?”
Sulfur looked puzzled. “No, was I wrongly announced? I am Yoru Sulfur.
MasterBayazisabaldgentleman.”Hepushedahandthroughhisownheadof
curlybrownhair.“Thereisastatueofhimoutsideintheavenue.ButIdidhave
the honour to study under him for several years. He is a most powerful and
knowledgeablemaster.”
“Ofcourse!Ofcourseheis!Andhowmaywebeofservice?”
YoruSulfurclearedhisthroat,asthoughtotellastory.“OnthedeathofKing
HarodtheGreat,Bayaz,theFirstoftheMagi,lefttheUnion.Buthesworean
oathtoreturn.”
“Yes, yes, that’s true,” chuckled Hoff. “Very true, every school-child knows
it.”
“Andhepronouncedthat,whenhereturned,hiscomingwouldbeheraldedby
another.”
“True,also.”
“Well,”saidSulfur,smilingbroadly,“hereIam.”
The Lord Chamberlain roared with laughter. “Here you are!” he shouted,
thumpingthetable.HarlenMorrowallowedhimselfalittlechuckle,butshutup
immediatelyasHoffssmilebegantofade.
“During my tenure as Lord Chamberlain, I have had three members of the
GreatOrderofMagiapplytomeforaudienceswiththeKing.Twoweremost
clearly insane, and one was an exceptionally courageous swindler.” He leaned
forward, placing his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers before him.
“Tellme,MasterSulfur,whichkindofMagusareyou?”
“Iamneitherofthose.”
“Isee.Thenyouwillhavedocuments.”
“Ofcourse.”Sulfurreachedintohiscoatandbroughtoutasmallletter,closed
withawhiteseal,asinglestrangesymbolstampedintoit.Heplaceditcarelessly
onthetablebeforetheLordChamberlain.
Hofffrowned.Hepickedupthedocumentandturneditoverinhishands.He
examinedthesealcarefully,thenhedabbedhisfacewithhissleeve,brokethe
wax,unfoldedthethickpaperandbegantoread.
YoruSulfurshowednosignofnerves.Hedidn’tappeartroubledbytheheat.
Hestrolledaroundtheroom,henoddedtothearmouredsoldiers,hedidn’tseem
upsetbytheirlackofresponse.HeturnedsuddenlytoWest.“It’sterriblyhotin
here,isn’tit?It’sawonderthesepoorfellowsdon’tpassout,andcrashtothe
floorwithasoundlikeacupboardfullofsaucepans.”Westblinked.Hehadbeen
thinkingtheverysamething.
TheLordChamberlainputtheletterdowncarefullyonthetable,nolongerin
the least amused. “It occurs to me that the Open Council would be the wrong
placetodiscussthismatter.”
“Iagree.IwashopingforaprivateaudiencewithLordChancellorFeekt.”
“I am afraid that will not be possible.” Hoff licked his lips. “Lord Feekt is
dead.”
Sulfurfrowned.“Thatismostunfortunate.”
“Indeed,indeed.Weallfeelhislossmostkeenly.PerhapsIandcertainother
membersoftheClosedCouncilcanassistyou.”
Sulfurbowedhishead.“Iamguidedbyyou,myLordChamberlain.”
“Iwilltrytoarrangesomethingforlaterthisevening.Untilthenwewillfind
yousomelodgingswithintheAgriont…suitableforyourstation.”Hesignalled
totheguards,andthedoorswereopened.
“Thankyousomuch,LordHoff.MasterMorrow.MajorWest.”Sulfurnodded
tothemgraciously,eachinturn,andthenturnedandleft.Thedoorswereclosed
oncemore,leavingWestwonderinghowthemanhadknownhisname.
HoffturnedtohisUnder-SecretaryforAudiences.“GoimmediatelytoArch
Lector Sult, and tell him we must meet at once. Then fetch High Justice
Marovia,andLordMarshalVaruz. Tell them it is a matter of the very highest
importance,andnotawordofthistoanyonebeyondthosethree.”Heshookhis
fingerinMorrow’ssweatyface.“Notaword!”
The Under-Secretary stared back, spectacles askew. “Now!” roared Hoff.
Morrow leapt to his feet, stumbled on the hem of his gown, then hurried out
throughasidedoor.Westswallowed,hismouthverydry.
Hoffstaredlongandhardateachmanintheroom.“Asfortherestofyou,not
awordto anyoneaboutany ofthis,ortheconsequencesforallofyouwillbe
most severe! Now out, everyone out!” The soldiers clanked from the room
immediately.Westneedednofurtherencouragementandhehurriedafterthem,
leavingthebroodingLordChamberlainaloneinhishighchair.
West’s thoughts were dark and confused as he pulled the door shut behind
him.FragmentsofoldstoriesoftheMagi,fearsaboutwarintheNorth,images
of a hooded giant, towering up near the ceiling. There had been some strange
andsomesinistervisitorstotheAgriontthatday,andhefeltquiteweigheddown
by worries. He tried to shrug them off, told himself it was all foolishness, but
thenallhecouldthinkofwashissister,cavortingabouttheAgriontlikeafool.
Hegroanedtohimself.ShewasprobablywithLutharrightnow.Whythehell
hadheintroducedthetwoofthem?Forsomereasonhehadbeenexpectingthe
same awkward, sickly, sharp-tongued girl he remembered from years ago. He
hadgotquiteashock when this woman had turned up at his quarters.Hehad
barely recognised her. Undoubtedly a woman, and a fine-looking one too.
Meanwhile, Luthar was arrogant and rich and handsome and had all the self-
restraint of a six-year old. He knew they had seen each other since, and more
than once. Just as friends, of course. Ardee had no other friends here. Just
friends.
“Shit!”hecursed.Itwaslikeputtingacatbythecreamandtrustingitnotto
stick its tongue in. Why the hell hadn’t he thought it through? It was a damn
disaster in the making! But what could he do about it now? He stared off
miserablydownthehallway.
There’s nothing like seeing anothers misery to make you forget your own,
and Goodman Heath was a sorry sight indeed. He was sitting alone on a long
bench,facedeathlypale,staringoffintospace.Hemusthavebeensittingthere
all this time, while the Mercers and the Northmen and the Magus came and
went, waiting for nothing but with nowhere left to go. West glanced up and
downthe hallway. Therewas no oneelsenearby. Heathwasoblivious tohim,
mouthopen,eyesglassy,batteredhatforgottenonhisknees.
Westcouldn’tsimplyleavethemanlikethis,hedidn’thaveitinhim.
“Goodman Heath,” he said as he approached, and the peasant looked up at
him,surprised.Hefumbledforhishatandmadetorise,mutteringapologies.
“No,please,don’tgetup.”Westsatdownonthebench.Hestaredathisfeet,
unable to look the man in the eye. There was an awkward silence. “I have a
friend who sits on the Commission for Land and Agriculture. There might be
something he can do for you…” He trailed off, embarrassed, squinting up the
corridor.
Thefarmergaveasadsmile.“I’dberightgratefulforanythingyoucoulddo.”
“Yes,yes,ofcourse,I’lldowhatIcan.”Itwoulddonogoodwhatsoever,and
theybothknewit.Westgrimacedandbithislip.“You’dbettertakethis,”andhe
pressedhispurseintothepeasant’slimp,callousedfingers.Heathlookedathim,
mouthslightlyopen.Westgaveaquick,awkwardsmilethengottohisfeet.He
wasverykeentobeoff.
“Sir!”calledGoodmanHeathafterhim,butWestwasalreadyhurryingdown
thecorridor,andhedidn’tlookback.
OntheList
WhydoIdothis?
TheoutlineofVillemdanRobb’stownhousewascutoutinblackagainstthe
clearnight sky. It wasanunremarkable building,atwo-storey-dwelling witha
low wall and a gate in front, just like a hundred others in this street. Our old
friend Rews used to live in a palatial great villa near the market. Robb really
should have asked him for some more ambitious bribes. Still. Lucky for us he
didn’t. Elsewhere in the city thefashionableavenueswould be brightly lit and
busy with drunken revellers right through until dawn. But this secluded side
streetwasfarfromthebrightlightsandthepryingeyes.
Wecanworkundisturbed.
Roundthe sideofthe building,on the upperfloor, alampwas burningina
narrow window. Good. Our friend is at home. But still awake—we must tread
gently.HeturnedtoPracticalFrostandpointeddownthesideofthehouse.The
albinonoddedandslippedawaysilentlyacrossthestreet.
Gloktawaitedforhimtoreachthewallanddisappearintotheshadowsbeside
thebuilding,thenheturnedtoSeverardandpointedatthefrontdoor.Theeyes
ofthelankyPracticalsmiledathimforamoment,thenhescuttledquicklyaway,
stayinglow,rolledoverthelowwallanddroppedwithoutasoundontotheother
side.
Perfectsofar,butnowImustmove.Gloktawonderedwhyhehadcome.Frost
andSeverardweremorethancapableofdealingwithRobbbythemselves,and
hewouldonlyslowthemdown.Imightevenfallonmyarseandalerttheidiot
to our presence. So why did I come? But Glokta knew why. The feeling of
excitementwasalreadybuildinginhisthroat.Itfeltalmostlikebeingalive.
Hehadmuffledtheendofhiscanewithabitofrag,sohewasabletolimpto
the wall, ever so delicately, without making too much noise. By that time
Severardhadswungthegateopen,holdingthehingewithoneglovedhandso
that it didn’t make a noise. Nice and neat. That little wall might as well be a
hundredfeethighforallmychancesofgettingoverit.
Severardwaskneelingonthestepagainstthefrontdoor,pickingthelock.His
earwasclosetothewood,hiseyessquintingwithconcentration,glovedhands
movingdeftly.Glokta’sheartwasbeatingfast,hisskinpricklywithtension.Ah,
thethrillofthehunt.
Therewasasoftclick,thenanother.Severardslippedhisglitteringpicksinto
apocket,thenreachedoutandslowly,carefullyturnedthedoorknob.Thedoor
swungsilentlyopen.Whatausefulfellowheis.WithouthimandFrostIamjust
acripple.Theyaremyhands,myarms,mylegs.ButIamtheirbrains.Severard
slippedinsideandGloktafollowedhim,wincingwithpaineverytimeheputhis
weightonhisleftleg.
Thehallwaywasdark,buttherewasashaftoflightspillingdownthestairs
from above and the banisters cast strange, distorted shadows on the wooden
floor. Glokta pointed up the steps, and Severard nodded and began to tiptoe
towardthem,keepinghisfeetclosetothewall.Itseemedtotakehimanageto
getthere.
Thethirdstepmadeaquietcreakingsoundasheputhisweightonit.Glokta
winced, Severard froze in place. They waited, still as statues. There was no
sound from upstairs. Glokta began to breathe again. Severard moved ever so
slowly upwards, step by gentle step. As he got towards the top he peered
cautiouslyroundthecorner,backpressedagainstthewall,thenhetookthelast
stepanddisappearedfromviewwithoutasound.
Practical Frost emerged from the shadows at the far end of the corridor.
Gloktaraisedaneyebrowathimbutheshookhishead.Nobodydownstairs.He
turnedtothefrontdoorandstartedtocloseit,eversogently.Onlywhenitwas
shut did he slowly, slowly release the doorknob, so the latch slid silently into
place.
“You’llwanttoseethis.”
Gloktagaveastartatthesuddensound,turningroundquicklyandcausinga
joltofpaintoshootthroughhisback.Severardwasstanding,handsonhips,at
the head of the stairs. He turned and made off towards the light, and Frost
boundedupthestepsafterhim,nolongermakinganypretenceatstealth.
Whycannooneeverstayonthegroundfloor?Alwaysupstairs.Atleasthe
didn’t have to try to be quiet as he struggled up the steps after his Practicals,
right foot creaking, left foot scraping on the boards. Bright lamplight was
flooding out into the upstairs corridor from an open door at the far end, and
Glokta limped toward it. He paused as he crossed the threshold, catching his
breathaftertheclimb.
Ohdearme,whatamess.Abigbookcasehadbeentornawayfromthewall,
andbookswerescattered,openandclosed,allaboutthefloor.Aglassofwine
had been knocked over on the desk, making sodden red rags of the crumpled
papersstrewnacrossit.Thebedwasindisarray,thecoverspulledhalfoff,the
pillowsandthemattressslashedandspillingfeathers.Awardrobehaditsdoors
open, one of them dangling half off. A few tattered garments were hanging
inside,butmostwerelyingtorninaheapbelow.
Ahandsomeyoungmanlayonhisbackunderthewindow,staringup,pale-
facedandopenmouthedattheceiling.Itwouldhavebeenanunderstatementto
saythathisthroathadbeencut.Ithadbeenhackedsosavagelythathisheadwas
only just still attached. There was blood splattered everywhere, on the torn
clothes,ontheslashedmattress,alloverthebodyitself.Therewereacoupleof
smeared,bloodypalm-printsonthewall,agreatpoolofbloodacrossagoodpart
of the floor, still wet. He was killed tonight. Perhaps only a few hours ago.
Perhapsonlyafewminutes.
“Idon’tthinkhe’llbeansweringourquestions,”saidSeverard.
“No.”Glokta’seyesdriftedoverthewreckage.“Ithinkhemightbedead.But
howdidithappen?”
Frostfixedhimwithapinkeyeandraisedawhiteeyebrow.“Poithon?”
Severardsplutteredwithshrilllaughterunderhismask.EvenGloktaallowed
himselfachuckle.“Clearly.Buthowdidourpoisongetin?”
“Openwi’ow,”mumbledFrost,pointingatthefloor.
Gloktalimpedintotheroom,carefulnottolethisfeetorhiscanetouchthe
stickymessofbloodandfeathers.“So,ourpoisonsawthelampburning,justas
we did. He entered via the downstairs window. He climbed silently up the
stairs.” Glokta turned the corpse’s hands over with the tip of his cane. A few
specksofbloodfromtheneck,butnodamagetotheknucklesorthefingers.He
didnotstruggle.Hewastakenbysurprise.Hecranedforwardandpeeredatthe
gapingwound.
“Asingle,powerfulcut.Probablywithaknife.”
“AndVillemdanRobbhassprungamostseriousleak,”saidSeverard.
“Andweareshortoneinformant,”musedGlokta.Therehadbeennobloodin
thecorridor.Ourmantookpainsnottogethisfeetwetwhilesearchingtheroom,
howevermessyitmaylook.Hewasnotangryorafraid.Itwasjustajob.
“Thekillerwasaprofessional,”murmuredGlokta,“hecameherewithmurder
in mind. Then perhaps he made this little effort to give the appearance of a
burglary, who can say? Either way, the Arch Lector wont be satisfied with a
corpse.”HelookedupathistwoPracticals.“Who’snextonthelist?”
This time there had been a struggle, without a doubt. If a onesided one.
SolimoScandiwassprawledonhisside,facingthewall,asthoughembarrassed
by the state of his slashed and tattered nightshirt. There were deep cuts in his
forearms. Where he struggled vainly to ward off the blade. He had crawled
acrossthefloor,leavingabloodytrailacrossthehighlypolishedwood.Where
hestruggledvainlytogetaway.Hehadfailed.Thefourgapingknifewoundsin
hisbackhadbeentheendofhim.
Glokta felt his face twitching as he looked down at the bloody corpse. One
bodymightjustbeacoincidence.Twomakeaconspiracy.His eyelidfluttered.
Whoeverdidthisknewwewerecoming,andwhen,andpreciselywhofor.They
areonestepaheadofus.Morethanlikely,ourlistofaccompliceshasalready
becomealistofcorpses.TherewasacreakingsoundbehindGloktaandhishead
whipped round, sending shooting pains down his stiff neck. Nothing but the
openwindowswinginginthebreeze.Calm,now.Calm,andthinkitout.
“It would seem the honourable Guild of Mercers have been doing a little
housekeeping.”
“Howcouldtheyknow?”mutteredSeverard.
Howindeed?“TheymusthaveseenRews’list,orbeentoldwhowasonit.”
And that means… Glokta licked at his empty gums. “Someone inside the
Inquisitionhasbeentalking.”
Foronce,Severard’seyeswerenotsmiling.“Iftheyknowwho’sonthelist,
theyknowwhowroteit.Theyknowwhoweare.”
Threemorenamesonthelist,perhaps?Downatthebottom?Gloktagrinned.
Howveryexciting.“Youscared?”
“I’mnothappy,I’lltellyouthat.”Henoddeddownatthecorpse.“Aknifein
thebackisn’tpartofmyplan.”
“Nor mine, Severard, believe me.” No indeed. If I die, I’ll never know who
betrayedus.
AndIwanttoknow.
Abright,cloudlessspringday,andtheparkwasbusywithfopsandidlersof
every variety. Glokta sat very still on his bench, in the merciful shade of a
spreadingtree, and staredoutat the shimmeringgreenery,the sparkling water,
the happy, the drunken, the colourful revellers. There were people wedged
togetheronthebenchesaroundthelake,pairsand groupsscatteredaroundthe
grass,drinking andtalkingand basking inthe sun. Thereseemed no spacefor
anymore.
ButnoonecameandsatnexttoGlokta.Occasionallysomebodywouldhurry
up,hardlyabletobelievetheirluckinfindingsuchaspot,thentheywouldsee
himsittingthere.Theirfaceswouldfallandtheywouldswerveaway,orwalk
rightpastasthoughtheyhadnevermeanttosit.Idrivethemawayassurelyas
theplague,butperhapsthat’sjustaswell.Idon’tneedtheircompany.
Hewatchedagroupofyoungsoldiersrowingaboatonthelake.Oneofthem
stood up, wobbling around, holding forth with a bottle in his hand. The boat
rockedalarmingly,andhiscompanionsshoutedathimtogetdown.Vaguegales
of good-natured laughter came wafting through the air, delayed a little by the
distance. Children. How young they look. How innocent. And such was I, not
longago.Itseemsathousandyears,though.Longer.Itseemsadifferentworld.
“Glokta.”
Helookedup,shadinghiseyeswithhishand.ItwasArchLectorSult,arrived
atlast,atalldarkshapeagainstthebluesky.Gloktathoughthelookedalittle
moretired,morelined,moredrawnthanusualashestaredcoldlydown.
“This had better be interesting.” Sult flicked out the tails of his long white
coatandloweredhimselfgracefullyontothebench.“Thecommonersareupin
armsagainnearKeln.Someidiotofalandownerhangsafewpeasantsandnow
wehaveamesstodealwith!Howhardcanitbetomanageafieldfullofdirt
andacoupleoffarmers?Youdon’thavetotreatthemwell,justaslongasyou
don’thangthem!”Hismouthwasastraight,hardlineasheglaredoutacrossthe
lawns.“Thishadbetterbedamnedinteresting.”
ThenI’lltrynottodisappointyou.“VillemdanRobbisdead.”Asthoughto
addemphasistoGlokta’sstatement,thedrunkensoldierslippedandtoppledover
the side of the boat, splashing into the water. His friends’ screams of laughter
reachedGloktaamomentlater.“Hewasmurdered.”
“Huh. It happens. Pick up the next man on the list.” Sult got to his feet,
frowning.“Ididn’t think you’d need my approvalforeverylittlething. That’s
whyIpickedyouforthisjob.Justgetonwithit!”hesnappedasheturnedaway.
There’snoneed to rush, Arch Lector. That’sthetroublewith good legs, you
tendtorunaroundtoomuch.Ifyouhavetroublemoving,ontheotherhand,you
don’tmoveuntilyou damn well know it’stime. “The next man on the list also
sufferedamishap.”
Sultturnedback,oneeyebrowslightlyraised.“Hedid?”
“Theyalldid.”
TheArchLectorpursedhislips,satbackdownonthebench.“Allofthem?”
“Allofthem.”
“Hmm,” mused Sult. “That is interesting. The Mercers are cleaning up, are
they? I hardly expected such ruthlessness. Times have changed, alright, times
havecertainly…”Hetrailedoff,slowlystartingtofrown.“Youthinksomeone
gavethemRews’list,don’tyou?Youthinkoneofourshasbeentalking.That’s
whyyouaskedmetocomehere,isn’tit?”
DidyouthinkIwasjustavoidingthestairs?“Eachoneofthemkilled?Each
and every name on our list? The very night we go to arrest them? I am not a
greatbelieverincoincidences.”Areyou,ArchLector?
He was evidently not. His face had turned very grim. “Who saw the
confession?”
“Me,andmytwoPracticals,ofcourse.”
“Youhaveabsoluteconfidenceinthem?”
“Absolute.” There was a pause. The boat was drifting, rudderless, as the
soldiers scrambled about, oars sticking up in the air, the man in the water
splashingandlaughing,sprayingwateroverhisfriends.
“Theconfessionwasinmyofficeforsometime,”murmuredtheArchLector.
“Somemembersofmystaffcouldhaveseenit.Couldhave.”
“Youhaveabsoluteconfidenceinthem,yourEminence?”
SultstaredatGloktaforalong,icymoment.“Theywouldn’tdare.Theyknow
mebetterthanthat.”
“ThatleavesSuperiorKalyne,”saidGloktaquietly.
TheArchLectorslipshardlymovedashespoke.“Youmusttreadcarefully,
Inquisitor,verycarefully.Thegroundisnotatallsafewhereyouarewalking.
Foolsdo notbecome Superiorsof theInquisition,despiteappearances.Kalyne
hasmanyfriends,bothwithintheHouseofQuestionsandoutsideit.Powerful
friends.Anyaccusationagainsthimmustbebackedupbytheverystrongestof
proof.”Sultstoppedsuddenly,waitingforasmallgroupofladiestopassoutof
earshot. “The very strongest of proof,” he hissed, once they had moved away.
“Youmustfindmethisassassin.”
Easiersaidthandone.“Ofcourse,yourEminence,butmyinvestigationhas
reachedsomethingofadeadend.”
“Notquite.Westillhaveonecardlefttoplay.Rewshimself.”
Rews?“But,ArchLector,hewillbeinAnglandbynow.”Sweatingdowna
mineorsomesuch.Ifhehasevenlastedthislong.
“No.HeishereintheAgriont,underlockandkey.Ithoughtitbesttoholdon
tohim.”Gloktadidhisutmosttocontainhissurprise.Clever.Veryclever.Fools
donotbecomeArchLectorseither,itseems.“Rewswillbeyourbait.Iwillhave
mysecretarycarryamessagetoKalyne,lettinghimknowthatIhaverelented.
That I am prepared to let the Mercers continue to operate, but under tighter
control.ThatasagestureofgoodwillIhaveletRewsgo.IfKalyneisthesource
ofourleak,IdaresayhewilllettheMercersknowthatRewsisfree.Idaresay
they will send this assassin to punish him for his loose tongue. I daresay you
couldtakehimwhileheistrying.Ifthekillerdoesn’tcome,well,wemighthave
tolookforourtraitorelsewhere,andwehavelostnothing.”
“Anexcellentplan,yourEminence.”
Sult stared at him coldly. “Of course. You will need somewhere to operate,
somewhere far from the House of Questions. I will make the funds available,
haveRewsdeliveredtoyourPracticals,andletyouknowwhenKalynehasthe
information.Findmethisassassin,Glokta,andsqueezehim.Squeezehimuntil
thepipssqueak.”Theboatlurchedwildlyasthesoldierstriedtohaultheirwet
companion in, then it suddenly turned right over, dumping them all into the
water.
“I want names,” hissed Sult, glowering at the splashing soldiers, “I want
names, and evidence, and documents, and people who will stand up in Open
Council and point fingers.” He stood up smoothly from the bench. “Keep me
informed.”HestrodeofftowardstheHouseofQuestions,feetcrunchingonthe
gravel of the path, and Glokta watched him go. An excellent plan. I’m glad
you’reonmyside,ArchLector.Youareonmyside,aren’tyou?
The soldiers had succeeded in hauling the upended boat onto the bank and
were standing, dripping wet, shouting at one another, no longer so good-
humoured. One of the oars was still floating, abandoned in the water, drifting
gradually towards the point where the stream flowed from the lake. Soon it
wouldpass underthebridge andbecarried out,beneaththe greatwallsof the
Agriontandintothemoat.Gloktawatcheditturningslowlyroundinthewater.
Amistake.Oneshouldattendtothedetails.Itiseasytoforgetthelittlethings,
butwithouttheoar,theboatisuseless.
He let his gaze wander across some of the other faces in the park. His eye
alightedonahandsomepairsittingonabenchbythelake.Theyoungmanwas
speakingquietlytothegirl,asadandearnestexpressiononhisface.Shegotup
quickly,movingawayfromhimwithherhandsoverherface.Ah,thepainofthe
jilted lover. The loss, the anger, the shame. It seems as though you’ll never
recover. What poet was it who wrote there’s no pain worse than the pain of a
brokenheart?Sentimentalshit.HeshouldhavespentmoretimeintheEmperors
prisons. He smiled, opening his mouth and licking the empty gums where his
frontteethusedtobe.Brokenheartshealwithtime,butbrokenteethneverdo.
Gloktalookedattheyoungman.Hehadan expressionofslightamusement
on his face as he watched the weeping girl walk away. The young bastard. I
wonder if he’s broken as many hearts as I did, in my youth? It hardly seems
possiblenow.Ittakesmehalfanhourjusttopluckupthecouragetostand.The
onlywomenI’vemadecrylatelyhavebeenthewivesofthoseI’vehadexiledto
Angland—
“Sand.”
Gloktaturnedaround.“LordMarshalVaruz,whatanhonour.”
“Oh no, no,” said the old soldier, sitting down on the bench with the swift,
precisemovementsofthefencingmaster.“Youlookwell,”hesaid,butwithout
reallylooking.I look crippled, you mean. “How are you, my old friend?” I’m
crippled, you pompous old ass. And friend, is it? All those years since I came
back,andyouhaveneversoughtmeout,notonce.Isthatafriendship?
“Wellenough,thankyou,LordMarshal.”
Varuz shifted uncomfortably on the bench. “My latest student, Captain
Luthar…perhapsyouknowhim?”
“Weareacquainted.”
“Youshouldseehisforms.”Varuzshookhisheadsadly. “Hehasthetalent,
alright,thoughhewillneverbeinyourclass,Sand.”Idon’tknow.Ihopesome
dayhe’llbejustascrippledasIam.“Buthehasplentyoftalent,enoughtowin.
Onlyhe’swastingit.Throwingitaway.”Oh,thetragedyofit.IamsoupsetI
couldbesick.HadIeatenanythingthismorning.
“Heis lazy,Sand, andstubborn. Helackscourage.Helacksdedication.His
heartisjustnotinit,andtimeisrunningout.Iwaswondering,ifyouhavethe
timeofcourse,”VaruzlookedGloktaintheeyeforjustaninstant,“whetheryou
mightbeabletospeaktohimforme.”
Icanhardlywait!Lecturingthatwhiningasswouldbetherealisationofall
mydreams.Youarrogantolddolt,howdareyou?Youbuiltyourreputationon
mysuccesses,thenwhenIneededyourhelpyoucutmeoff.Andnowyoucome
tome,andseekmyhelp,andcallmefriend?
“Ofcourse,MarshalVaruz,Iwouldbegladtospeaktohim.Anythingforan
oldfriend.”
“Excellent, excellent! I’m sure you’ll make all the difference! I train him
everymorning,inthatcourtyardneartheHouseoftheMaker,whereIusedto
trainyou…”TheoldMarshaltrailedoffawkwardly.
“Iwillcomeassoonasmydutiespermit.”
“Ofcourse,yourduties…”Varuzwasalreadygettingup,evidentlykeentobe
onhisway.Gloktaheldouthishand,makingtheoldsoldierpauseforamoment.
You needn’t worry, Lord Marshal, I am not contagious. Varuz gave it a limp
shake, as though worried it might snap off, then he mumbled his excuses and
strode away, head held high. The dripping soldiers bowed and saluted as he
walkedpast,somewhatembarrassed.
Gloktastretchedouthisleg,wonderingwhethertogetup.Andgowhere?The
worldwillnotendifIsithereamomentlonger.Thereisnorush.Norush.
AnOfferandaGift
“And, forward!” bellowed Marshal Varuz. Jezal lurched at him, toes curling
roundthe edges ofthe beam, tryingdesperately tokeephis balance, makinga
clumsy lunge or two just to give the impression of his heart being in it. Four
hoursof trainingaday weretakingtheirtollon him,andhe feltbeyondmere
exhaustion.
Varuz frowned and flicked Jezal’s blunted steel aside, moving effortlessly
alongthebeamasthoughitwasagardenpath.“Andback!”
Jezalstumbledbackonhisheels,leftarmwavingstupidlyaroundhiminan
attempt to keep his balance. Everything above his knees was aching terribly
fromtheeffort.Belowthekneesitwasmuch,muchworse.Varuzwasoversixty,
but he showed no signs of fatigue. He wasn’t even sweating as he danced
forwarddownthebeam,swishinghissteelsaround.Jezalhimselfwasgasping
forairas heparrieddesperatelywithhislefthand,badlyoffbalance,hisright
footfishinginspaceforthesafetyofthebeambehindhim.
“And, forward!” Jezal’s calves were agony as he stumbled to change his
directionandshoveablowattheinfuriatingoldman,butVaruzdidnotmove
back.Insteadheduckedunderthedespairingcutandusedthebackofhisarmto
sweepJezal’sfeetaway.
Jezalletoutahowlasthecourtyardturnedoveraroundhim.Hislegsmacked
painfullyagainsttheedgeofthebeam,thenhesprawledonhisfaceonthegrass,
chinthumpingintotheturfandmakinghisteethrattle.Herolledashortdistance
thenlaythereonhisback,gaspinglikeafishsnatchedsuddenlyfromthewater,
legthrobbingwhereithadcollidedwiththebeamonhiswaydown.Hewould
haveyetanotheruglybruiseinthemorning.
“Awful,Jezal,awful!”criedtheoldsoldierashesprangnimblydownontothe
lawn. “You teeter about the beam as though it were a tightrope!” Jezal rolled
over,cursing,andstartedtoclimbstifflytohisfeet.“Itisasolidpieceofoak,
wideenoughtogetlostin!”TheLordMarshalillustratedhispointbywhacking
atthebeamwithhisshortsteel,makingsplintersfly.
“Ithoughtyousaidforward,”moanedJezal.
Varuz’eyebrowswentupsharply.“Doyouseriouslysuppose,CaptainLuthar,
that Bremer dan Gorst gives his opponents reliable information as to his
intentions?”
“BremerdanGorstwillbetryingtobeatme,youoldshit!Youaresupposed
tobehelpingmetobeathim!”ThatwaswhatJezalthought,butheknewbetter
thantosayit.Hejustshookhisheaddumbly.
“No!Noindeedhedoesnot!Hemakeseveryefforttodeceiveandconfusehis
opponents,asallgreatswordsmenmust!”TheLordMarshalpacedupanddown,
shakinghishead.Jezalconsideredagainwhethertogiveitallup.Hewassickof
fallingintobedexhaustedeachnight,atatimewhenheshouldhavebeenjust
starting to get drunk. He was sick of waking up every morning, bruised and
aching,tofaceanotherfourinterminablehoursofrunning,beam,bar,forms.He
wassickofbeingknockedonhisarsebyMajorWest.Mostofallhewassickof
beingbulliedbythisoldfool.
“…A depressing display, Captain, very depressing. I do believe you are
actuallygettingworse…”
JezalwouldneverwintheContest.Nooneexpectedhimto,himselfleastof
all.Sowhynotgiveitup,andgobacktohiscardsandlatenights?Wasn’tthat
all he really wanted from life? But then what would mark him out from a
thousandothernobleyoungersons?Hehaddecidedlongagothathewantedto
be something special. A Lord Marshal himself perhaps, and then Lord
Chamberlain. Something big and important anyway. He wanted a big chair on
theClosedCouncil,andtomakebigdecisions.Hewantedpeopletofawnand
smile around him and hang on his every word. He wanted people to whisper,
“TheregoesLordLuthar!”ashesweptpast.Couldhebehappybeingforevera
richer,cleverer,better-lookingversionofLieutenantBrint?Ugh!Itwasnottobe
thoughtof.
“…Wehaveaterriblylongwaytogo,andnotenoughtimetogetthere,not
unless you change your attitude. Your sparring is lamentable, your stamina is
stillweak,andasforyourbalance,thelesssaidaboutthatthebetter…”
Andwhatwouldeveryoneelsethinkifhegaveup?Whatwouldhisfatherdo?
Whatwouldhisbrotherssay?Whatabouttheotherofficers?Hewouldlooka
coward.AndthentherewasArdeeWest.Sheseemedtohavebeenmuchonhis
mindduringthepastcoupleofdays.Wouldsheleansoclosetohimifhedidn’t
fence?Wouldshetalktohiminsuchsofttones?Wouldshelaughathisjokes?
Wouldshelookupathimwiththosebig,darkeyes,sohecouldalmostfeelher
breathonhisface—
“Areyoulistening,boy?”thunderedVaruz.Jezalfeltabitofhisbreathonhis
facealright,andadealofspittoo.
“Yes, sir! Sparring lamentable, stamina weak!” Jezal swallowed nervously.
“Lesssaidaboutbalancethebetter.”
“That’sright!Iambeginningtothink,thoughIcanhardlybelieveitafterthe
troubleyouhaveputmeto, thatyourheartreallyisn’tinthis.”Heglaredinto
Jezal’seyes.“Whatdoyouthink,Major?”
There was no reply. West was slumped in his chair, arms folded, frowning
grimlyandstaringintospace.
“MajorWest?”snappedtheLordMarshal.
He looked up suddenly, as though he had only just become aware of their
presence.“I’msorry,sir,Ihadbecomedistracted.”
“So I see.” Varuz sucked his teeth. “It seems that nobody has been
concentrating this morning.” It was a great relief that some of the old man’s
angerhadbeendeflectedelsewhere,butJezal’shappinesswasnotlong-lived.
“Verywell,”snappedtheoldMarshal,“ifthat’sthewayyouwantit.Starting
tomorrowwewillbegin each session with a swim in the moat.A mile or two
shoulddoit.”Jezalsqueezedhisteethtogethertokeepfromscreaming.“Cold
water has a wonderful way of sharpening the senses. And perhaps we need to
start a little earlier, to catch you in your most receptive frame of mind. That
means we begin at five. In the meantime, Captain Luthar, I suggest that you
consider whether you are here in order to win the Contest, or simply for the
pleasureofmycompany.”Andheturnedonhisheelandstalkedoff.
Jezal waited until Varuz had left the courtyard before losing his temper, but
oncehewassuretheoldmanwasoutofearshotheflunghissteelsagainstthe
wallinafury.
“Damnit!”heshoutedastheswordsrattledtotheground.“Shit!”Helooked
aroundforsomethingtokickthatwouldn’thurttoomuch.Hiseyelightedonthe
legofthebeam, but he misjudged the kickbadlyandhadto stifle the urgeto
grabhisbruisedfootandhoparoundlikeanidiot.“Shit,shit!”heraged.
West was disappointingly unimpressed. He got up, frowning, and made to
followMarshalVaruz.
“Whereareyouoffto?”askedJezal.
“Away,”saidWest,overhisshoulder,“I’veseenenough.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
Weststoppedandturnedtofacehim.“Amazingthoughitmayseem,thereare
biggerproblemsintheworldthanthis.”
JezalstoodthereopenmouthedasWeststalkedfromthecourtyard.“Justwho
do you think you are?” he shouted after him, once he was sure he was gone.
“Shit,shit!”Heconsideredgivingthebeamanotherkick,butthoughtbetterofit.
Jezalwasinafoulmoodonhiswaybacktohisquarters,sohestayedaway
fromthebusierpartsoftheAgriont,stickingtothequieterlanesandgardensto
thesideoftheKingsway.Heglowereddownathisfeetashewalked,tofurther
discourageanysocialencounter.Butluckwasnotonhisside.
“Jezal!”ItwasKaspa,outforastrollwithayellow-hairedgirlinexpensive
clothes.Theyhadasevere-lookingmiddle-agedwomanwiththem,nodoubtthe
girl’sgovernessorsomesuch.Theyhadstoppedtoadmiresomepieceofminor
sculptureinalittle-visitedyard.
“Jezal!”Kaspashouted again, waving his hat above hishead.Therewas no
avoiding them. He plastered an unconvincing smile onto his face and stalked
over. The palegirlsmiled athimas he approached,butif he wasmeantto be
charmedhedidn’tfeelit.
“Been fencing again, Luthar?” asked Kaspa pointlessly. Jezal was sweating
and holding a pair of fencing steels. It was well known that he fenced every
morning. You didn’t need a fine mind to make the connection, which was
fortunate,becauseKaspacertainlydidn’thaveone.
“Yes.Howdidyouguess?”Jezalhadn’tmeanttokilltheconversationquite
sodead,buthe passed it offwith a false chuckle, andthesmilesof the ladies
soonreturned.
“Hah,hah,”laughedKaspa,everwillingtobethebuttofajoke.
“Jezal, may I introduce my cousin, the Lady Ariss dan Kaspa? This is my
superior officer, Captain Luthar.” So this was the famous cousin. One of the
Unions richest heiresses and from an excellent family. Kaspa was always
babblingaboutwhatabeautyshewas,buttoJezalsheseemedapale,skinny,
sickly-lookingthing.Shesmiledweaklyandofferedoutherlimp,whitehand.
Hebrushed it withthemost perfunctory ofkisses.“Charmed,” he muttered,
withoutrelish.“Imustapologiseformyappearance,I’vejustbeenfencing.”
“Yes,” she squeaked, in a high, piping voice, once she was sure he had
finished speaking. “I have heard you are a great fencer.” There was a pause
whileshegropedforsomethingtosay,thenhereyeslitup.“TellmeCaptain,is
fencingreallyverydangerous?”
Whatinsipiddrivel.“Ohno,mylady,weonlyusebluntedsteelsinthecircle.”
Hecouldhavesaid more, but he was damned ifhewasgoingto make all the
effort. He gave a thin smile. So did she. The conversation hovered over the
abyss.
Jezal was about to make his excuses, the subject of fencing evidently
exhausted,butArisscuthimoffbyblunderingontoanothertopic.“Andtellme,
Captain,istherereallylikelytobeawarintheNorth?”Hervoicehadalmost
entirely faded away by the end of the sentence, but the chaperone stared on
approvingly,nodoubtdelightedbytheconversationalskillsofhercharge.
Spareus.“Wellitseemstome…”Jezalbegan.Thepale,blueeyesofLady
Arissstaredbackathimexpectantly.Blueeyesareabsolutecrap,hereflected.
He wondered which subject she was more ignorant of: fencing or politics?
“Whatdoyouthink?”
Thechaperone’sbrow furrowedslightly.Lady Arisslookedsomewhat taken
aback,blushingslightlyasshegropedforwords.“Well,er…thatistosay…I’m
surethateverythingwill…turnoutwell?”
Thankthefates!thoughtJezal,wearesaved!Hehadtogetoutofhere.“Of
course, everything will turn out well.” He forced out one more smile. “It has
been a real pleasure to make your acquaintance, but I’m afraid I’m on duty
shortly, so I must leave you.” He bowed with frosty formality. “Lieutenant
Kaspa,LadyAriss.”
Kaspa clapped him on the arm, as friendly as ever. His ignorant waif of a
cousinsmileduncertainly.Thegovernessfrownedathimashepassed,butJezal
tooknonotice.
He arrived at the Lords’ Round just as the council members were returning
fromtheirlunchtimerecess.Heacknowledgedtheguardsinthevestibulewitha
tersenod,thenstrodethroughtheenormousdoorwayanddownthecentralisle.
A stragglingcolumnof thegreatest peersofthe realmwerehard onhisheels,
and the echoing space was full of shuffling footsteps, grumblings and
whisperings,asJezalmadehiswayaroundthecurvedwalltohisplacebehind
thehightable.
“Jezal,howwasfencing?”ItwasJalenhorm,hereearlyforonce,andseizing
ontheopportunitytotalkbeforetheLordChamberlainarrived.
“I’vehadbettermornings.Yourself?”
“Oh,I’vebeenhavingafinetime.ImetthatcousinofKaspa’s,youknow,”he
searchedforthename.
Jezalsighed.“LadyAriss.”
“Yes,that’sit!Haveyouseenher?”
“Iwasluckyenoughtorunintothemjustnow.”
“Phew!”exclaimedJalenhorm,pursinghislips.“Isn’tshestunning?”
“Hmm.” Jezal looked away, bored, and watched the robed and fur-trimmed
worthiesfileslowlytotheirplaces.Atleasthewatchedasampleoftheirleast
favouritesonsandpaidrepresentatives.Veryfewofthemagnatesturnedupin
personforOpenCouncilthesedays,notunlesstheyhadsomethingsignificantto
complainabout.Alotofthemdidn’tevenbothertosendsomeoneintheirplace.
“I swear, one of the finest-looking girls I ever saw. I know Kaspa’s always
ravingabouther,buthedidn’tdoherjustice.”
“Hmm.”Thecouncillorsbegantospreadout,eachmantowardshisownseat.
The Lords’ Round was designed like a theatre, the Union’s leading noblemen
sitting where the audience would be, on a great half-circle of banked benches
withanaisledownthecentre.
Asinthetheatre,someseatswerebetterthanothers.Theleastimportantsat
high up at the back, and the occupants’ significance increased as you came
forward.Thefrontrowwasreservedfortheheadsoftheverygreatestfamilies,
or whoever they sent in their stead. Representatives from the south, from
DagoskaandWestport,wereontheleft,nearesttoJezal.Onthefarrightwere
those from the north and west, from Angland and Starikland. The bulk of the
seating, in between, was for the old nobility of Midderland, the heart of the
Union.The Union proper, astheywould have seenit.As Jezal saw ittoo,for
thatmatter.
“Whatpoise, whatgrace,” Jalenhormwasrhapsodising,“thatwonderful fair
hair,thatmilky-whiteskin,thosefantasticblueeyes.”
“Andallofthatmoney.”
“Wellyes,thattoo,”smiledthebigman.“Kaspasayshisuncleisevenricher
than his father. Imagine that! And he has just the one child. She will inherit
everymarkofit.Everymark!”Jalenhormcouldscarcelycontainhisexcitement.
“It’saluckymanthatcanbagher!Whatwashernameagain?”
“Ariss,” said Jezal sourly. The Lords, or their proxies, had all shuffled and
grumbled their way to their seats. It was a poor attendance: the benches were
less than half full. That was about as full as it ever got. If the Lords’ Round
reallyhadbeenatheatre,itsownerswouldhavebeendesperatelyinsearchofa
newplay.
“Ariss. Ariss.” Jalenhorm smacked his lips as though the name left a sweet
taste.“It’saluckymanthatgetsher.”
“Yesindeed.Aluckyman.”Providinghepreferscashtoconversation,thatis.
Jezalthoughthemighthavepreferredtomarrythegoverness.Atleastshehad
seemedtohaveabitofbackbone.
The Lord Chamberlain had entered the hall now, and was making his way
towardsthedaisonwhichthehightablestood,justaboutwherethestagewould
havebeen,hadtheRoundbeenatheatre.Hewasfollowedbyagaggleofblack-
gownedsecretariesandclerks, each man more or less encumbered with heavy
books and sheaves of official-looking papers. With his crimson robes of state
flappingbehindhim,LordHofflookedlikenothingsomuchasarareandstately
glidingbird,pursuedbyaflockoftroublesomecrows.
“Herecomesoldvinegar,”whisperedJalenhorm,ashesidledoff tofindhis
place on the other side of the table. Jezal put his hands behind his back and
strucktheusualpose,feetalittlespread,chinhighintheair.Hesweptaneye
over the soldiers, regularly spaced around the curved wall, but each man was
motionless and perfectly presented in full armour, as always. He took a deep
breathandpreparedhimselfforseveralhoursofthemostextremetedium.
TheLordChamberlain threw himself into histallchairand called for wine.
Thesecretariestooktheirplacesaroundhim,leavingaspaceinthecentreforthe
King, who was absent as usual. Documents were rustled, great ledgers were
heaved open, pens were sharpened and rattled in ink wells. The Announcer
walkedtotheendofthetableandstruckhisstaffofofficeonthefloorfororder.
Thewhisperingofthenoblemenandtheirproxies,andthatofthefewattendees
in the public gallery over their heads, gradually died down, leaving the vast
chambersilent.
TheAnnouncerpuffedouthischest.“Icallthismeeting,”hesaid,inslowand
sonoroustones,asthoughheweregivingtheeulogyatafuneral,“oftheOpen
Council of the Union…” he gave an unnecessarily long and significant pause.
The Lord Chamberlain’s eyes flicked angrily towards him, but the Announcer
wasnottoberobbedofhismomentofglory.Hemadeeveryonewaitaninstant
longerbeforefinishing,“…toorder!”
“Thankyou,”saidHoffsourly.“IbelievewewereabouttohearfromtheLord
GovernorofDagoskabeforewewereinterruptedbyluncheon.”Thescratching
nibsofquillsaccompaniedhisvoice,astwoclerksrecordedhiseveryword.The
faintechoesofthepensmergedwiththeechoesofhiswordsinthegreatspace
above.
An elderly man struggled to his feet in the front row close to Jezal, some
papersclaspedbeforehiminshakyhands.
“The Open Council,” droned the Announcer, as ponderously as he dared,
“recognises Rush dan Thuel, accepted proxy of Sand dan Vurms, the Lord
GovernorofDagoska!”
“Thankyou,sir.”Thuel’scracking,wispyvoicewasabsurdlysmallinthevast
space.ItbarelycarriedasfarasJezal,andhewasnomorethantenstridesaway.
“MyLords—”hebegan.
“Speak up!” called someone from the back. There was a ripple of laughter.
Theoldmanclearedhisthroatandtriedagain.
“My Lords, I come before you with an urgent message from the Lord
Governor of Dagoska.” His voice had already faded to its original, barely
audible level, each word accompanied by the persistent scratching of quills.
Whispersbegantoemanatefromthepublicgalleryabove,makingitstillharder
to hear him. “The threat posed to that great city by the Emperor of Gurkhul
increaseswitheverypassingday.”
Vaguesoundsofdisapprovalbegantofloatupfromthefarsideoftheroom,
where the representatives from Angland were seated, but the bulk of the
councillors simply looked bored. “Attacks on shipping, harassment of traders,
and demonstrations beyond our walls, have compelled the Lord Governor to
sendme—”
“Luckyus!”somebodyshouted.Therewasanotherwaveoflaughter,slightly
louderthistime.
“Thecityisbuiltonbutanarrowpeninsula,”persistedtheoldman,straining
tomakehimselfheardovertheincreasingbackgroundnoise,“attachedtoaland
controlled entirely by our bitter enemies the Gurkish, and separated from
Midderlandbywideleaguesofsaltwater!Ourdefencesarenotalltheymight
be!TheLordGovernorissorelyinneedofmorefunds…”
The mention of funds brought instant uproar from the assembly. Thuel’s
mouthwasstillmoving,buttherewasnochanceofhearinghimnow.TheLord
Chamberlain frowned and took a swallow from his goblet. The clerk furthest
fromJezalhadlaiddownhisquillandwasrubbinghiseyeswithhisinkythumb
and forefinger. The clerk closest had just finished writing a line. Jezal craned
forwardtosee.Itsaidsimply:
Someshoutinghere.
The Announcer thumped his staff on the tiles with a look of great self-
satisfaction. The hubbub eventually died down but Thuel had now been taken
withacoughingfit.Hetriedtospeakbutwasunable,andeventuallyhewaved
hishandandsatdown,veryredintheface,whilehisneighbourthumpedhimon
theback.
“IfImay,LordChamberlain?”shoutedafashionableyoungmaninthefront
rowontheothersideofthehall,leapingtohisfeet.Thescratchingofthequills
beganonceagain.“Itseemstome—”
“The Open Council,” cut in the Announcer, “recognises Hersel dan Meed,
third son and accepted proxy of Fedor dan Meed, the Lord Governor of
Angland!”
“Itseemstome,”continuedthehandsomeyoungman,onlyslightlyannoyed
bythisinterruption, “that our friendsinthesouth are forever expectingafull-
scale attack by the Emperor!” Dissenting voices were now raised on the other
side of the room. “An attack which never materialises! Did we not defeat the
Gurkish only a few short years ago, or does my memory deceive me?” The
booing increased in volume. “This scaremongering represents an unacceptable
drainontheUnion’sresources!”Hewasshoutingtobeheard.“InAnglandwe
havemany milesofborder and toofew soldiers, whilethe threatfromBethod
andhisNorthmenisveryreal!Ifanyoneisinneedoffunds…”
The shouting was instantly redoubled. Cries of “Hear, hear!”, “Nonsense!”,
“True!”and“Lies!”couldbevaguelymadeoutoverthehubbub.Severalofthe
representatives were on their feet, shouting. Some vigorously nodded their
agreement, some violently shook their heads in dissent. Others yawned and
staredaround.Jezalcouldseeonefellow,neartothebackinthecentre,whowas
almostcertainlyasleep,andinimminentdangerofslumpingintohisneighbours
lap.
Heallowedhiseyestowanderup,overthefacesrangedaroundtherailofthe
publicgallery.Hefeltastrangetugginginhischest.ArdeeWestwasupthere,
lookingstraightdownathim.Astheireyesmetshesmiledandwaved.Hewas
smilinghimself,withhisarmhalfwayuptowave,whenherememberedwhere
he was. He pushed his arm behind his back and looked around nervously, but
was relieved to find that no one important had noticed his mistake. The smile
wouldnotquiteleavehisfacethough.
“MyLords!”roaredtheLordChamberlain,smashinghisemptygobletdown
onthehightable.HehadtheloudestvoiceJezalhadeverheard.EvenMarshal
VaruzcouldhavelearnedathingortwoaboutshoutingfromHoff.Thesleeping
mannearthebackstartedup,sniffingandblinking.Thenoisediedawayalmost
immediately. Those representatives left standing looked around guiltily, like
naughtychildrencalledtoaccount,andgraduallysatdown.Thewhispersfrom
thepublicgallerywentstill.Orderwasrestored.
“MyLords!Icanassureyou,theKinghasnomoreseriousconcernthanthe
safety of his subjects, no matter where they are! The Union does not permit
aggression against its people or property!” Hoff punctuated each comment by
smashing his fist down in front of him. “From the Emperor of Gurkhul, from
thesesavagesintheNorth,orfromanyoneelse!”Hestruckthetablesohardon
this last comment that ink splashed from a well and ran all over one of the
clerks’carefullyprepareddocuments.Callsofagreementandsupportgreetedthe
LordChamberlain’spatrioticdisplay.
“As for the specific circumstance of Dagoska!” Thuel looked up hopefully,
cheststillshakingwithsuppressedcoughs.“Isthatcitynotpossessedofsomeof
themostpowerfulandextensivedefencesintheworld?Diditnotresistasiege
bytheGurkish,lessthanadecadeago,foroverayear?Whathasbecomeofthe
walls,sir,thewalls?”Thegreatroomfellquietaseveryonestrainedtohearthe
reply.
“LordChamberlain,”wheezedThuel,hisvoicenearlydrownedoutasoneof
theclerksturnedthecracklingpageofhishugebook andbegan scratchingon
thenext,“thedefenceshavefallenintopoorrepair,andwelackthesoldiersto
keepthemproperlymanned.TheEmperorisnotignorantofthis,”hewhispered,
allbutinaudible,“Ibegofyou…”Hedissolvedintoanotherfitofcoughing,and
dropped into his seat, accompanied by some light jeering from the Angland
delegation.
Hofffrownedevenmoredeeply.“Itwasmyunderstandingthatthedefences
ofthecityweretobemaintainedbymoniesraisedlocally,andbytradelevies
upontheHonourableGuildofSpicers,whohaveoperatedinDagoskaunderan
exclusive and highly profitable licence these past seven years. If resources
cannotbefoundeventomaintainthewalls,”andheswepttheassemblywitha
darkeye,“perhapsitistimethatthislicencewasputouttotender.”Therewasa
volleyofangrymutteringsaroundthepublicgallery.
“In any case, the Crown can spare no extra monies at present!” Jeers of
dissatisfaction came from the Dagoska side of the room, hoots of agreement
fromtheAnglandside.
“As for the specific circumstance of Angland!” thundered the Lord
Chamberlain,turningtowardMeed.“Ibelievewemayshortlyhearsomegood
news,foryoutotakebacktoyourfathertheLordGovernor.”Acloudofexcited
whisperings rose up into the gilded dome above. The handsome young man
looked pleasantly surprised, as well he might. It was rare indeed that anyone
took good news away from the Open Council, or news of any kind for that
matter.
Thuel had got control of his lungs once more, and he opened his mouth to
speak, but he was interrupted by a great beating on the huge door behind the
high table. The Lords looked up: surprised, expectant. The Lord Chamberlain
smiled, in the manner of a magician who has just pulled off an exceptionally
difficulttrick.Hesignalledtotheguards,theheavyironboltsweredrawnback,
andthegreat,inlaiddoorscreakedslowlyopen.
EightKnightsoftheBody,encasedinglitteringarmour,facelessbehindhigh,
polishedhelmets,resplendentinpurplecloaksmarkedonthebackwithagolden
sun,stompedinunisondownthestepsandtooktheirplacestoeithersideofthe
hightable.Theywerecloselyfollowedbyfourtrumpeters,whosteppedsmartly
forward, raised their shining instruments to their lips and blew an ear-splitting
fanfare.Jezalgrittedhisrattlingteethandnarrowedhiseyes,buteventuallythe
ringing echoes faded. The Lord Chamberlain turned angrily toward the
Announcer,whowasstaringatthenewarrivalswithhismouthopen.
“Well?”hissedHoff.
TheAnnouncerjumpedtolife.“Ah…yesofcourse!MyLordsandLadies,I
have the great honour to present…” he paused and took a huge breath, “…his
ImperialHighness,theKingofAngland,ofStarikland,andofMidderland,the
Protector of Westport and of Dagoska, his August Majesty, Guslav the Fifth,
High King of the Union!” There was a great rustling noise as every man and
womaninthehallshiftedfromtheirseatsanddownontooneknee.
The royal palanquin processed slowly through the doors, carried on the
shouldersofsixmorefacelessknights.TheKingwassittinginagildedchairon
top,proppeduponrichcushionsandswayinggentlyfromsidetoside.Hewas
staringabouthimwiththestartledexpressionofamanwhowenttosleepdrunk,
andhaswokenupinanunfamiliarroom.
Helookedawful.Enormouslyfat,lollinglikeagreathillswathedinfurand
redsilk,headsquashedintohisshouldersbytheweightofthegreat,sparkling
crown.Hiseyeswereglassyandbulging,withhugedarkbagshangingbeneath,
andthe pinkpointof histonguekept flickingnervouslyover hispalelips. He
hadgreatlowjowlsandarolloffataroundhisneck,infacthiswholefacegave
theappearanceofhavingslightlymeltedandstartedtorundownoffhisskull.
SuchwastheHighKingoftheUnion,butJezalbowedhisheadalittleloweras
thepalanquinapproached,justthesame.
“Oh,” muttered his August Majesty, as though he had forgotten something,
“please rise.” The rustling noise filled the hall again as everybody rose and
returnedtotheirseats.TheKingturnedtowardHoff,browdeeplyfurrowed,and
Jezalheardhimsay,“WhyamIhere?”
“TheNorthmen,yourMajesty.”
“Ohyes!”TheKing’seyeslitup.Hepaused.“Whataboutthem?”
“Er…”buttheLordChamberlainwassavedfromreplyingbytheopeningof
thedoorsontheoppositesideofthehall,theonesthroughwhichJezalhadfirst
entered.Twostrangemenstrodethroughandadvanceddowntheaisle.
One was a grizzled old warrior with a scar and a blind eye, carrying a flat
woodenbox.Theother was cloaked and hooded, every featurehidden,andso
bigthathemadethewholehallseemoutofproportion.Thebenches,thetables,
eventheguards,allsuddenlylookedlikesmallversionsdesignedfortheuseof
children.Ashepassed,acoupleoftherepresentativesclosesttotheaislecringed
andshuffledaway.Jezalfrownedtohimself.Thishoodedgiantdidnothavethe
look of good news, whatever Lord Hoff might say. Angry and suspicious
mutteringsfilledtheechoingdomeasthetwoNorthmentooktheirplacesonthe
tiledfloorbeforethehightable.
“YourMajesty,”saidtheAnnouncer,bowingsoridiculouslylowthathehad
to support himself with his staff, “the Open Council recognises Fenris the
Feared,theenvoyofBethod,KingoftheNorthmen,andhistranslator,White-
EyeHansul!”
The King was staring off happily towards one of the great windows in the
curvedwall,utterlyoblivious,perhapsadmiringthewaythelightshonethrough
thebeautifulstainedglass,buthelookedsuddenlyround,jowlsvibrating,asthe
oldhalf-blindwarrioraddressedhim.
“YourMajesty.Ibringbrotherlygreetingsfrommymaster,Bethod,King of
theNorthmen.”TheRoundhadfallenverystill,andtheclerks’scratchingnibs
seemedabsurdlyloud.Theoldwarriornoddedatthegreathoodedshapebeside
himwithanawkwardsmile.“FenristheFearedbringsanofferfromBethodto
yourself.FromKingtoKing.FromtheNorthtotheUnion.Anoffer,andagift.”
Andheraisedthewoodenbox.
TheLordChamberlaingaveaself-satisfiedsmirk.“Speakyourofferfirst.”
“It is an offer of peace. An endless peace between our two great nations.”
White-Eyebowedagain.Hismannerswereimpeccable,Jezalhadtoadmit.Not
whatonewouldexpectfromsavagesofthecoldanddistantNorth.Hisgoodly
speechwouldalmosthavebeenenoughtoputtheroomatease,haditnotbeen
forthehoodedmanbesidehim,loominglikeadarkshadow.
TheKing’sfacetwitchedintoaweaksmileatthismentionofpeacehowever.
“Good,”hemuttered.“Excellent.Peace.Capital.Peaceisgood.”
“Heasksbutonesmallthinginreturn,”saidWhite-Eye.
The Lord Chamberlain’s face had turned suddenly dour, but it was too late.
“Hehasbuttonameit,”saidtheKing,smilingindulgently.
Thehoodedmansteppedforward.“Angland,”hehissed.
Therewasamomentofstillness,thenthehallexplodedwithnoise.Therewas
a gale of disbelieving laughter from the public gallery. Meed was on his feet,
red-faced and screaming. Thuel tottered up from his bench, then fell back
coughing.Angrybellowswerejoinedbyhootsofderision.TheKingwasstaring
abouthimwithallthedignityofastartledrabbit.
Jezal’seyeswerefixedonthehoodedman.Hesawagreathandslipoutfrom
hissleeveandreachfortheclasponhiscloak.Heblinkedinsurprise.Wasthe
handblue?Orwasitjustatrickofthelightthroughthestainedglass?Thecloak
droppedtothefloor.
Jezalswallowed,hisheartthumpingloudinhisears.Itwaslikestaringata
terrible wound: the more he was revolted, the less he could look away. The
laughterdied,theshoutingdied,thegreatspacebecameterriblystilloncemore.
Fenris the Feared seemed larger yet without his cloak, towering over his
cringing translator. Without any doubt, he was the biggest man that Jezal had
everseen,ifmanhewas.Hisfacewasinconstant,twisted,sneeringmotion.His
bulgingeyestwitchedandblinkedastheystaredcrazilyroundattheassembly.
Histhinlipssmiledandgrimacedandfrownedbyturns,neverstill.Butallthis
seemedordinary,bycomparisonwithhisstrangestfeature.
Hiswholeleftside,fromheadtotoe,wascoveredinwriting.
Crabbyruneswerescrawledacrossthelefthalfofhisshavenhead,acrosshis
eyelid,hislips,hisscalp,hisear.Hishugeleftarmwastattooedbluewithtiny
writing,frombulgingshouldertothetipsofhislongfingers.Evenhisbareleft
foot was covered in strange letters. An enormous, inhuman, painted monster
stoodattheveryheartoftheUnion’sgovernment.Jezal’sjawhungopen.
Aroundthe high tablethere werefourteenKnights oftheBody,eachmana
hard-trained fighter of good blood. There were perhaps forty guardsmen of
Jezal’s own company around the walls, each one a seasoned veteran. They
outnumberedthesetwoNorthmenmorethantwentytoone,andwerewellarmed
withthebeststeeltheKing’sarmouriescouldprovide.FenristheFearedcarried
no weapon. For all his size and strangeness, he should have been no threat to
them.
ButJezaldidnotfeelsafe.Hefeltalone,weak,helpless,andterriblyafraid.
Hisskinwastingling,hismouthwasdry.Hefeltasuddenurgetorun,andhide,
andnevercomeoutagain.
And this strange effect was not limited to him, or even to those around the
hightable.Angrylaughsturnedtoshockedgurglesasthepaintedmonsterturned
slowlyaroundinthecentreofthecircularfloor,flickeringeyesrunningoverthe
crowd.Meedshrankbackontohisbench,angerallleachedoutofhim.Acouple
ofworthiesonthefrontrowactuallyscrambledoverthebacksoftheirbenches
andintotherowbehind.Otherslookedaway,orcoveredtheirfaceswiththeir
hands.Oneofthesoldiersdroppedhisspear,anditclatteredloudlytothefloor.
Fenris the Feared turned slowly to the high table, raising his great tattooed
fist, opening his chasm of a mouth, a hideous spasm running over his face.
“Angland!” he screamed, louder and more terrible by far than the Lord
Chamberlain had ever been. The echoes of his voice bounced off the domed
ceilinghighabove,resoundedfromthecurvedwalls,fillingthegreatspacewith
piercingsound.
OneoftheKnightsoftheBodystumbledbackandslipped,hisarmouredleg
clankingagainsttheedgeofthehightable.
The King shrank back and covered his face with his hand, one terrified eye
staringoutfrombetweenhisfingers,crownteeteringonhishead.
Thequillofoneoftheclerksdroppedfromhisnervelessfingers.Thehandof
theothermovedacrossthepaperbyhabitwhilehismouthfellopen,scrawlinga
messyworddiagonallythroughtheneatlinesofscriptabove.
Angland.
TheLordChamberlain’sfacehadturnedwaxypale.Hereachedslowlyforhis
goblet,raisedittohislips.Itwasempty.Heplaceditcarefullybackdownonthe
table,buthishandwastrembling,andthebaserattledonthewood.Hepaused
for a moment, breathing heavily through his nose. “Plainly, this offer is not
acceptable.”
“That is unfortunate,” said White-Eye Hansul, “but there is still the gift.”
Everyeyeturnedtowardshim.“IntheNorthwehaveatradition.Onoccasion,
when there is bad blood between two clans, when there is the threat of war,
championscomeforwardfromeachside,tofightforalltheirpeople,sothatthe
issuemightbedecided…withonlyonedeath.”
Heslowlyopenedthelidofthewoodenbox.Therewasalongknifeinside,
bladepolishedmirror-bright.“HisGreatness,Bethod,sendstheFearednotonly
as his envoy, but as his champion. He will fight for Angland, if any here will
face him, and spare you a war you will not win.” He held the box up to the
painted monster. “This is my masters gift to you, and there could be none
richer…yourlives.”
Fenris’righthanddartedoutandsnatchedtheknifefromthebox.Heraisedit
high,bladeflashinginthecolouredlightfromthegreatwindows.Theknights
should have jumped forward. Jezal should have drawn his sword. All should
have rushed to the defence of the King, but nobody moved. Every mouth was
agape,everyeyefastenedonthatglintingtoothofsteel.
Thebladeflasheddown.Itspointdroveeasilythroughskinandfleshuntilit
was buried right to the hilt. The point emerged, dripping blood, from the
undersideofFenris’owntattooedleftarm.Hisfacetwitched,butnomorethan
usual.Theblademovedgrotesquelyashestretchedouthisfingers,raisedhisleft
armhighforalltosee.Thedropsofbloodmadeasteadypatteronthefloorof
theLords’Round.
“Who will fight me?” he screamed, great cords of sinew bulging from his
neck.Hisvoicewasalmostpainfultotheear.
Uttersilence.TheAnnouncer,whowasclosesttotheFeared,andalreadyon
hisknees,swoonedandcollapsedonhisface.
Fenristurnedhisgogglingeyesonthebiggestknightbeforethetable,afull
headshorterthanhewas.“You?”hehissed.Theunfortunateman’sfootscraped
onthefloorashebackedaway,nodoubtwishinghehadbeenbornadwarf.
A puddle of dark blood had spread across the floor beneath Fenris’ elbow.
“You?”hesnarledatFedordanMeed.Theyoungmanturnedslightlygrey,teeth
rattlingtogether,nodoubtwishinghewassomeoneelse’sson.
Those blinking eyes swept across the ashen faces on the high table. Jezal’s
throatconstrictedasFenris’eyesmethis.“You?”
“WellIwould,butI’mterriblybusythisafternoon.Perhapstomorrow?”The
voice hardly sounded like his own. He certainly hadn’t meant to say any such
thing. But who else’s could it be? The words floated confidently, breezily up
towardsthegildeddomeabove.
There was scattered laughter, a shout of “Bravo!” from somewhere at the
back,buttheeyesoftheFeareddidnotleaveJezal’sforaninstant.Hewaited
forthesoundstodie,thenhismouthtwistedintoahideousleer.
“Tomorrowthen,”hewhispered.Jezal’sgutsgaveasuddenpainfulshift.The
seriousness of the situation pressed itself upon him like a ton of rocks. Him?
Fightthat?
“No.” It was the Lord Chamberlain. He was still pale, but his voice had
regainedmuchofitsvigour.Jezaltookheart,andfoughtmanfullyforcontrolof
hisbowels.“No!”barkedHoffagain.“Therewillbenoduelhere!Thereisno
issuetodecide!AnglandisapartoftheUnion,byancientlaw!”
White-Eye Hansul chuckled softly. “Ancient law? Angland is part of the
North. Two hundred years ago there were Northmen there, living free. You
wantediron,soyoucrossedthesea,andslaughteredthemandstoletheirland!It
must be, then, that most ancient of laws: that the strong take what they wish
fromtheweak?”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Wehavethatlawalso!”
Fenris the Feared ripped the knife from his arm. A few last drops of blood
spattered onto the tiles, but that was all. There was no wound on the tattooed
flesh.Nomarkatall.Theknifeclatteredontothetilesandlaythereinthepool
ofbloodathisfeet.Fenrisswepttheassemblywithhisbulging,blinking,crazy
eyesone lasttime,then heturned andstrodeacross thefloorand uptheaisle,
Lordsandproxiesscramblingawaydowntheirbenchesasheapproached.
White-Eye Hansul bowed low. “Perhaps the time will come when you wish
that you had accepted our offer, or our gift. You will hear from us,” he said
quietly,thenheheldupthreefingerstotheLordChamberlain.“Whenitistime,
wewillsendthreesigns.”
“Sendthreehundredifyouwish,”barkedHoff,“butthispantomimeisover!”
White-EyeHansulnoddedpleasantly.“Youwillhearfromus.”Andheturned
andfollowedFenristheFearedoutoftheLords’Round.Thegreatdoorsclapped
shut.Thequillofthenearestclerkscratchedweaklyagainstthepaper.
Youwillhearfromus.
Fedor dan Meed turned towards the Lord Chamberlain, jaw locked tight,
handsomefeatures contortedwithfury.“Andthisis the goodnewsyou would
have me convey to my father?” he screamed. The Open Council erupted.
Bellowing,shouting,abusedirectedtowardanyoneandeveryone,chaosofthe
worstkind.
Hoffjumpedup,chairtopplingoverbehindhim,mouthingangrywords,but
even he was drowned out by the uproar. Meed turned his back on him and
stormedout.OtherdelegatesfromtheAnglandsideoftheroomrosegrimlyand
followedthesonoftheirLordGovernor.Hoffstaredafterthem,lividwithanger,
mouthworkingsilently.
Jezal watched the King slowly take his hand from his face and lean down
toward his Lord Chamberlain. “When are the Northmen getting here?” he
whispered.
TheKingoftheNorthmen
Logenbreathedindeep,enjoyingtheunfamiliarfeelofthecoolbreezeonhis
fresh-shavedjaw,andtookintheview.Itwasthebeginningofaclearday.The
dawnmistwasalmostgone,andfromthebalconyoutsideLogen’sroom,high
uponthesideofoneofthetowersofthelibrary,youcouldseeformiles.The
greatvalleywasspreadoutbeforehim, split into stark layers. On top was the
greyandpuffywhiteofthecloudysky.Thentherewastheraggedlineofblack
cragsthatringedthelake,andthedimbrownsuggestionofothersbeyond.Next
came the dark green of the wooded slopes, then the thin, curving line of grey
shingle on the beach. All was repeated in the still mirror of the lake below—
another,shadowyworld,upsidedownbeneathhisown.
Logenlookeddownathishands,fingersspreadoutontheweatheredstoneof
the parapet. There was no dirt, no dried blood under his cracked fingernails.
They looked pale, soft, pinkish, strange. Even the scabs and scrapes on his
knuckles were mostly healed. It was so long since Logen had been clean that
he’d forgotten what it felt like. His new clothes were coarse against his skin,
robbedofitsusualcoveringofdirtandgreaseanddrysweat.
Lookingoutatthestilllake,cleanandwellfed,hefeltadifferentman.Fora
momenthewonderedhowthisnewLogenmightturnout,butthebarestoneof
theparapetstaredbackathimwherehismissingfingerusedtobe.Thatcould
never heal. He was Ninefingers still, the Bloody-Nine, and always would be.
Unless he lost any more fingers. He did smell better though, that had to be
admitted.
“Didyousleepwell,MasterNinefingers?”Wellswasinthedoorway,peering
outontothebalcony.
“Like a baby.” Logen didn’t have the heart to tell the old servant that he’d
sleptoutside.Thefirstnighthe’dtriedthebed,rollingandwriggling,unableto
cometotermswiththestrangecomfortofamattressandtheunfamiliarwarmth
ofblankets.Nexthe’dtriedthefloor.Thathadbeenanimprovement.Buttheair
had still seemed close, flat, stale. The ceiling had hung over him, seeming to
creepeverlower,threateningtocrushhimwiththeweightofstoneabove.Itwas
only when he’d lain down on the hard flags of the balcony, with his old coat
spread over him and just the clouds and the stars above, that sleep had come.
Somehabitsarehardtobreak.
“Youhaveavisitor,”saidWells.
“Me?”
MalacusQuai’shead appearedaroundthe doorframe.His eyeswerea little
lesssunken,thebagsunderneaththemalittlelessdark.Therewassomecolour
tohisskin,andsomefleshonhisbones.Henolongerlookedlikeacorpse,just
gauntandsick,ashehaddonewhenLogenfirstmethim.Heguessedthatwas
aboutashealthyasQuaieverlooked.
“Hah!”laughedLogen.“Yousurvived!”
Theapprenticegaveaseriesoftirednodsasheshambledacrosstheroom.He
wasswathedinathickblanketwhichtrailedonthefloorandmadeitdifficultfor
himtowalkproperly.Heshuffledoutofthedoortothebalconyandstoodthere,
sniffingandblinkinginthechillmorningair.
Logenwasmorepleasedtoseehimthanhe’dexpected.Heclappedhimon
thebacklikeanoldfriend,perhapsalittletoowarmly.Theapprenticestumbled,
blankettangledroundhisfeet,andwouldhavefallenifLogenhadn’tputoutan
armtosteadyhim.
“Stillnotquiteinfightingshape,”mutteredQuai,withaweakgrin.
“YoulookadealbetterthanwhenIlastsawyou.”
“Sodoyou.YoulostthebeardIsee,andthesmelltoo.Afewlessscarsand
you’dlookalmostcivilised.”
Logenheldhishandsup.“Anythingbutthat.”
Wellsduckedthroughthedoorwayintothebrightmorninglight.Hehadaroll
ofclothandaknifeinhishand.“CouldIseeyourarm,MasterNinefingers?”
Logen had almost forgotten about the cut. There was no new blood on the
bandage,andwhenheunwoundittherewasalong,red-brownscabunderneath,
runningalmostallthewayfromwristtoelbow,surroundedbyfreshpinkskin.It
hardlyhurtanymore,justitched.Itcrossedtwoother,olderscars.One,ajagged
grey effort near his wrist, he thought he might have got in the duel with
Threetrees,allthoseyearsago.Logengrimacedasherememberedthebattering
they’d given each other. The second scar, fainter, higher up, he wasn’t sure
about.Could’vecomefromanywhere.
Wells bent down and tested the flesh round the wound while Quai peered
cautiouslyoverhisshoulder.“It’smendingwell.You’reafasthealer.”
“Lotsofpractice.”
Wells looked up atLogen’s face, wherethecuton his forehead had already
faded to one more pink line. “I can see. Would it be foolish to advise you to
avoidsharpobjectsinthefuture?”
Logenlaughed.“Believeitornot,Ialwaysdidmybesttoavoidtheminthe
past.Buttheyseemtoseekmeout,despitemyefforts.”
“Well,”saidtheoldservant,cuttingoffafreshlengthofclothandwindingit
carefullyroundLogen’sforearm,“Ihopethisisthelastbandageyoueverneed.”
“So do I,” said Logen, flexing his fingers. “So do I.” But he didn’t think it
wouldbe.
“Breakfastwillbereadysoon.”AndWellsleftthetwoofthemaloneonthe
balcony.
Theystoodthereinsilenceforamoment,thenthewindblewupcoldfromthe
valley.Quaishiveredandpulledhisblankettightaroundhim.“Outthere…by
thelake.Youcouldhaveleftme.Iwouldhaveleftme.”
Logen frowned. Time was he’d have done it and never given it a second
thought, but things change. “I’ve left a lot of people, in my time. Reckon I’m
sickofthatfeeling.”
The apprentice pursed his lips and looked out at the valley, the woods, the
distantmountains.“Ineversawamankilledbefore.”
“You’relucky.”
“You’veseenalotofdeath,then?”
Logen winced. In his youth, he would have loved to answer that very
question.Hecouldhavebragged,andboasted,andlistedtheactionshe’dbeen
in,theNamedMenhe’dkilled.Hecouldn’tsaynowwhenthepridehaddried
up.Ithadhappenedslowly.Asthewarsbecamebloodier,asthecausesbecame
excuses,asthefriendswentbacktothemud,onebyone.Logenrubbedathis
ear,feltthebignotchthatTulDuru’sswordhadmade,longago.Hecouldhave
stayedsilent.Butforsomereason,hefelttheneedtobehonest.
“I’ve fought in three campaigns,” he began. “In seven pitched battles. In
countless raids and skirmishes and desperate defences, and bloody actions of
everykind.I’vefoughtinthedrivingsnow,theblastingwind,themiddleofthe
night.I’vebeenfightingallmylife,oneenemyoranother,onefriendoranother.
I’veknownlittleelse.I’veseenmenkilledforaword,foralook,fornothingat
all.Awomantriedtostabmeonceforkillingherhusband,andIthrewherdown
awell.Andthat’sfarfromtheworstofit.Lifeusedtobecheapasdirttome.
Cheaper.
“I’vefoughttensinglecombatsandIwonthemall,butIfoughtonthewrong
sideandforallthewrongreasons.I’vebeenruthless,andbrutal,andacoward.
I’vestabbed men intheback, burnedthem,drowned them,crushedthem with
rocks,killedthemasleep,unarmed,orrunningaway.I’verunawaymyselfmore
than once. I’ve pissed myself with fear. I’ve begged for my life. I’ve been
wounded, often, and badly, and screamed and cried like a baby whose mother
took her tit away. I’ve no doubt the world would be a better place if I’d been
killedyearsago,butIhaven’tbeen,andIdon’tknowwhy.”
Helookeddownathishands,pinkandcleanonthestone.“Therearefewmen
withmorebloodontheirhandsthanme.None,thatIknowof.TheBloody-Nine
theycallme,myenemies,andthere’salotof’em.Alwaysmoreenemies,and
fewer friends. Blood gets you nothing but more blood. It follows me now,
always,likemyshadow,andlikemyshadowIcanneverbefreeofit.Ishould
neverbefreeofit.I’veearnedit.I’vedeservedit.I’vesoughtitout.Suchismy
punishment.”
And that was all. Logen breathed a deep, ragged sigh and stared out at the
lake.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftolookatthemanbesidehim,didn’twanttosee
theexpressiononhisface.Whowantstolearnhe’skeepingcompanywiththe
Bloody-Nine?Amanwho’swroughtmoredeaththantheplague,andwithless
regret. They could never be friends now, not with all those corpses between
them.
ThenhefeltQuai’shandclaphimontheshoulder.“Well,thereitis,”hesaid,
grinningfromeartoear,“butyousavedme,andI’mrightgratefulforit!”
“I’vesavedamanthisyear,andonlykilledfour.I’mbornagain.”Andthey
bothlaughedforawhile,anditfeltgood.
“So,Malacus,Iseeyouarebackwithus.”
They turned, Quai stumbling on his blanket and looking a touch sick. The
FirstoftheMagiwasstandinginthedoorway,dressedinalongwhiteshirtwith
sleevesrolleduptotheelbow.Hestilllookedmorelikeabutcherthanawizard
toLogen.
“MasterBayaz…er…Iwasjustcomingtoseeyou,”stutteredQuai.
“Indeed? How fortunate for us both then, that I have come to you.” The
Magus stepped out onto the balcony. “It occurs to me that a man who is well
enoughtotalk,andlaugh,andventureoutofdoors,isdoubtlesswellenoughto
read,andstudy,andexpandhistinymind.Whatwouldyousaytothat?”
“Doubtless…”
“Doubtless,yes!Tellme,howareyourstudiesprogressing?”
The wretched apprentice looked utterly confused. “They have been
somewhat…interrupted?”
“YoumadenoprogresswithJuvens’PrinciplesofArtwhileyouwerelostin
thehillsinbadweather?”
“Er…noprogress…no.”
“And your knowledge of the histories. Did that develop far, while Master
Ninefingerswascarryingyoubacktothelibrary?”
“Er…Imustconfess…itdidn’t.”
“Your exercises and meditations though, surely you have been practising
those,whileunconsciousthispastweek?”
“Well,er…no,theunconsciousnesswas…er…”
“So,tellme,wouldyousaythatyouareaheadofthegame,sotospeak?Or
haveyourstudiesfallenbehind?”
Quaistareddownatthefloor.“TheywerebehindwhenIleft.”
“Thenperhapsthenyoucouldtellmewhereyouplantospendtheday?”
Theapprenticelookeduphopefully.“Atmydesk?”
“Excellent!” Bayaz smiled wide. “I was about to suggest it, but you have
anticipated me! Your keenness to learn does you much credit!” Quai nodded
furiously and hurried towards the door, the hem of his blanket trailing on the
flags.
“Bethodiscoming,”murmuredBayaz.“Hewillbeheretoday.”Logen’ssmile
vanished,histhroatfeltsuddenlytight.Herememberedtheirlastmeetingwell
enough.StretchedoutonhisfaceonthefloorofBethod’shallatCarleon,beaten
andbrokenandwellchainedup,dribblingbloodintothestrawandhopingthe
end wouldn’t be too long coming. Then, no reason given, they’d let him go.
FlunghimoutthegateswiththeDogman,Threetrees,theWeakestandtherest,
andtoldhimnevertocomeback.Never.Thefirst timeBethodevershowed a
grainofmercy,andthelast,Logendidn’tdoubt.
“Today?”heasked,tryingtokeephisvoiceeven.
“Yes, and soon. The King of the Northmen. Hah! The arrogance of him!”
BayazglancedsidelongatLogen.“Heiscomingtoaskmeforafavour,andI
wouldlikeyoutobethere.”
“Hewon’tlikethat.”
“Exactly.”
Thewindfeltcolderthanbefore.IfLogenneversawBethodagainitwouldbe
fartoosoon.Butsomethingshavetobedone.It’sbettertodothem,thantolive
withthefearofthem.That’swhatLogen’sfatherwouldhavesaid.Sohetooka
deepbreathandsquaredhisshoulders.“I’llbethere.”
“Excellent.Thenthereisbutonethingmissing.”
“What?”
Bayazsmirked.“Youneedaweapon.”
It was dry in the cellars beneath the library. Dry and dark and very, very
confusing.They’dgoneupand down steps, around corners, past doors, taking
hereorthereaturningtotheleftorright.Theplacewasawarren.Logenhoped
hedidn’tlosesightofthewizard’sflickeringtorch,orhecouldeasilybestuck
beneaththelibraryforever.
“Drydownhere, niceanddry,”Bayaz wassayingto himself,voiceechoing
downthepassagewayandmergingwiththeirflappingfootfalls.“There’snothing
worsethandampforbooks.”Hepulledupsuddenlynexttoaheavydoor.“Or
forweapons.”Hegavethedooragentleshoveanditswungsilentlyopen.
“Lookatthat!Hasn’tbeenopenedforyears,butthehingesstillmovesmooth
as butter! That’s craftsmanship for you! Why does no one care about
craftsmanshipanymore?”Bayazsteppedoverthethresholdwithoutwaitingfor
ananswer,andLogenfollowedclosebehind.
Thewizard’storchlitupalong,lowhallwithwallsofroughstoneblocks,the
farendlostinshadows.Theroomwaslinedwith racks and shelves, the floor
litteredwithboxesandstands,everythingheapedandburstingwithamadarray
ofarmsandarmour.Bladesandspikesandpolishedsurfacesofwoodandmetal
caught the flickering torchlight as Bayaz paced slowly across the stone floor,
weavingbetweentheweaponsandcastingaround.
“Quiteacollection,”mutteredLogen,ashefollowedtheMagusthroughthe
clutter.
“A load of old junk mostly, but there should be a few things worth the
finding.” Bayaz took a helmet from a suit of ancient, gilded plate armour and
lookeditoverwithafrown.“Whatdoyoumakeofthat?”
“I’veneverbeenmuchforarmour.”
“No,youdon’tstrikemeasthetype.Allverywellonhorseback,Idaresay,
butit’sapaininthearsewhenyou’veajourneytomakeonfoot.”Hetossedthe
helmetbackontoitsstand,thenstoodtherestaringatthearmour,lostinthought.
“Onceyou’vegotiton,howdoyoupiss?”
Logenfrowned.“Er…”hesaid,butBayazwasalreadymovingoffdownthe
room,andtakingthelightwithhim.
“Youmusthaveusedafewweaponsinyourtime,MasterNinefingers.What’s
yourpreferencefor?”
“I’veneverreallyhadone,”saidLogen,duckingunderarustyhalberdleaning
outfromarack.“Achampionneverknowswhathemightbecalledontofight
with.”
“Of course, of course.” Bayaz took up a long spear with a vicious barbed
head, and wafted it around a bit. Logen stepped back cautiously. “Deadly
enough.Youcouldkeepamanatbaywithoneofthese.Butamanwithaspear
needsalotoffriends,andtheyallneedspearsaswell.”Bayazshoveditbackon
therackandmovedon.
“Thislooksfearsome.” The Magus tookholdofthe gnarled shaft of ahuge
double-bladed axe. “Shit!” he said as he lifted it up, veins bulging out of his
neck. “It’s heavy enough!” He set it down with a thump, making the rack
wobble.“Youcouldkillamanwiththat!Youcouldcuthimcleaninhalf!Ifhe
wasstandingstill.”
“This is better,” said Logen. It was a simple, solid-looking sword, in a
scabbardofweatheredbrownleather.
“Oh,yesindeed.Much,muchbetter.ThatbladeistheworkofKanedias,the
Master Maker himself.” Bayaz handed his torch to Logen and took the long
swordfromtherack.
“Has it ever occurred to you, Master Ninefingers, that a sword is different
fromother weapons?Axesand maces andso forth arelethalenough, butthey
hangonthebeltlikedumbbrutes.”Herananeyeoverthehilt,plaincoldmetal
scored with faint grooves for a good grip, glinting in the torchlight. “But a
sword…aswordhasavoice.”
“Eh?”
“Sheathedithaslittletosay,tobesure,butyouneedonlyputyourhandon
thehilt anditbegins towhisperin yourenemy’sear.” Hewrappedhis fingers
tightlyroundthegrip.“Agentlewarning.Awordofcaution.Doyouhearit?”
Logennoddedslowly.“Now,”murmuredBayaz,“compareittotheswordhalf
drawn.” A foot length of metal hissed out of the sheath, a single silver letter
shiningnearthehilt.Thebladeitselfwasdull,butitsedgehadacoldandfrosty
glint. “It speaks louder, does it not? It hisses a dire threat. It makes a deadly
promise.Doyouhearit?”
Logennoddedagain,hiseyefastenedonthatglitteringedge.“Nowcompareit
totheswordfulldrawn.”Bayazwhippedthelongbladefromitssheathwitha
faintringingsound,broughtitupsothatthepointhoveredinchesfromLogen’s
face.“Itshoutsnow,doesitnot?Itscreamsdefiance!Itbellowsachallenge!Do
youhearit?”
“Mmm,” said Logen, leaning back and staring slightly crosseyed at the
shiningpointofthesword.
Bayaz let it drop and slid it gently back into its scabbard, something to
Logen’srelief.“Yes,aswordhasavoice.Axesandmacesandsofortharelethal
enough,butaswordisasubtleweapon,andsuitedtoasubtleman.YouIthink,
MasterNinefingers,aresubtlerthanyouappear.”LogenfrownedasBayazheld
theswordouttohim.Hehadbeenaccusedofmanythingsinhislife,butnever
subtlety.“Consideritagift.Mythanksforyourgoodmanners.”
Logen thought about it a moment. He hadn’t owned a proper weapon since
beforehecrossedthemountains,andhewasn’tkeentotakeoneupagain.But
Bethodwascoming,andsoon.Bettertohaveit,andnotwantit,thantowantit,
andnothaveit.Far,farbetter.Youhavetoberealisticaboutthesethings.
“Thankyou,”saidLogen,takingtheswordfromBayazandhandinghimback
thetorch.“Ithink.”
Asmallfirecrackledinthegrate,andtheroomwaswarm,andhomely,and
comfortable.
ButLogendidn’tfeelcomfortable.Hestoodbythewindow,staringdowninto
thecourtyardbelow,nervousandtwitchyandscared,likeheusedtobebeforea
fight.Bethodwascoming.Hewassomewhereoutthere.Ontheroadthroughthe
woods,orpassingbetweenthestones,oracrossthebridge,orthroughthegate.
TheFirstoftheMagididn’tseemtense.Hesatcomfortablyinhischair,his
feetuponthetablenexttoalongwoodenpipe,leafingthroughasmallwhite-
boundbookwithafaintsmileonhisface.Noonehadeverlookedcalmer,and
thatonlymadeLogenfeelworse.
“Isitgood?”askedLogen.
“Iswhatgood?”
“Thebook.”
“Oh yes. It is the best of books. It is Juvens’ Principles of Art, the very
cornerstone of my order.” Bayaz waved his free hand at the shelves which
coveredtwowalls,andthehundredsofotheridenticalbookslinedneatlyupon
them.“It’sallthesame.Onebook.”
“One?”Logen’seyesscannedacrossthethick,whitespines.“That’sapretty
damnlongbook.Haveyoureaditall?”
Bayazchuckled.“Oh yes, many times.Everyoneof my order must readit,
andeventuallymaketheirowncopy.”Heturnedthebookaround,sothatLogen
couldsee.Thepageswerethicklycoveredwithlinesofneat,butunintelligible
symbols.“Iwrotethese,longago.Youshouldreadittoo.”
“I’mreallynotmuchofareader.”
“No?”askedBayaz.“Shame.”Heflickedoverthepageandcarriedon.
“Whataboutthatone?”Therewasanotherbook,sataloneonitssideonthe
verytopofoneoftheshelves,alarge,blackbook,scarredandbattered-looking.
“ThatwrittenbythisJuvensaswell?”
Bayaz frowned up at it. “No. His brother wrote that.” He got up from his
chair,stretchedupandpulleditdown.“Thisisadifferentkindofknowledge.”
He dragged open his desk drawer, slid the black book inside and slammed it
shut. “Best left alone,” he muttered, sitting back down and opening up the
PrinciplesofArtagain.
Logentookadeepbreath,puthislefthandonthehiltofthesword,feltthe
coldmetalpressingintohispalm.Thefeelofitwasanythingbutreassuring.He
letgoandturnedbacktothewindow,frowningdownintothecourtyard.Hefelt
hisbreathcatchinhisthroat.
“Bethod.He’shere.”
“Good,good,”mutteredBayazabsently.“Whodoeshehavewithhim?”
Logen peered at the three figures in the courtyard. “Scale,” he said with a
scowl. “And a woman. I don’t recognise her. They’re dismounting.” Logen
lickedhisdrylips.“They’recomingin.”
“Yes,yes,”murmuredBayaz,“thatishowonegetstoameeting.Trytocalm
yourself,myfriend.Breathe.”
Logenleanedbackagainstthewhitewashedplaster,armsfolded,andtooka
deep breath. It didn’t help. The hard knot of worry in his chest only pressed
harder. He could hear heavy footsteps in the corridor outside. The doorknob
turned.
Scalewasthefirstintotheroom.Bethod’seldestsonhadalwaysbeenburly,
evenasaboy,butsinceLogenlastsawhimhe’dgrownmonstrous.Hisrockofa
head seemed almost an afterthought on top of all that brawn, his skull a good
dealnarrowerthanhisneck.Hehadagreatblockofjaw,aflatstubofanose,
and furious, bulging, arrogant little eyes. His thin mouth was twisted in a
constantsneer,muchlikehisyoungerbrotherCalders,buttherewaslessguile
here and a lot more violence. He had a heavy broadsword on his hip, and his
meatyhandwasneverfarfromitashegloweredatLogen,oozingmalicefrom
everypore.
Thewomancamenext.Shewasverytall,slenderandpale,almostill-looking.
HerslantingeyeswereasnarrowandcoldasScale’swerebulgingandwrathful,
and were surrounded with a quantity of dark paint, which made them look
narrower and colder still. There were golden rings on her long fingers, golden
braceletsonherthinarms,goldenchainsaroundherwhiteneck.Shesweptthe
roomwithherfrostyblueeyes,eachthingshenoticedseemingtolifthertonew
heightsofdisgustandcontempt.Firstthefurniture,thenthebooks,particularly
Logen,andBayazmostofall.
Theself-styledKingof theNorthmen camelast, andmore magnificentthan
ever,robedinrich,colouredclothandrarewhitefurs.Heworeaheavygolden
chain across his shoulders, a golden circlet round his head, set with a single
diamond,bigasabird’segg.HissmilingfacewasmoredeeplylinedthanLogen
remembered, his hair and beard touched with grey, but he was no less tall, no
lessvigorous,nolesshandsome,andhe’dgainedmuchofauthorityandwisdom
—ofmajestyeven.Helookedeveryinchagreatman,awiseman,ajustman.
HelookedeveryinchaKing.ButLogenknewbetter.
“Bethod!”saidBayaz,warmly,snappinghisbookshut.“Myoldfriend!You
canhardlyimaginewhatajoyitistoseeyouagain.”Heswunghisfeetoffthe
table,andgesturedatthegoldenchain,theflashingdiamond.“Andtoseeyouso
hugelyadvancedintheworld!Irememberthetimewasyouwerehappytovisit
me alone. But I suppose great men must be attended on, and I see you have
broughtsome… otherpeople.Yourcharmingson I know,ofcourse. Iseethat
you’vebeeneatingwellatleast,eh,Scale?”
PrinceScale,”rumbledBethod’smonstrousson,hiseyespoppingouteven
more.
“Hmm,”saidBayaz,withaneyebrowraised.“Ihavenothadthepleasureof
meetingyourothercompanionbefore.”
“I am Caurib.” Logen blinked. The woman’s voice was the most beautiful
thinghe’d everheard. Calming,soothing, intoxicating.“I ama sorceress,”she
sang, tossing her head with a scornful smile. “A sorceress, from the utmost
north.”Logenstoodfrozen,hismouthhalfopen.Hishatredseepedaway.They
were all friends here. More than friends. He couldn’t take his eyes from her,
didn’twantto.Theothersintheroomhadfaded.Itwasasifshewasspeaking
onlytohim,andthefondestwishofhisheartwasthatsheshouldneverstop—
But Bayaz only laughed. “A real sorceress, and you have the golden voice!
Howwonderful!It’salongtimesinceIheardthatone,butitwillnotserveyou
here.” Logen shook his head clear and his hatred rushed back in, hot and
reassuring. “Tell me, does one have to study, to become a sorceress? Or is it
simplyaquestionofjewellery,andadealofpaintabouttheface?”Caurib’seyes
narrowedtodeadlyblueslits,buttheFirstoftheMagididn’tgivehertimeto
speak.“Andfromtheutmostnorth,imaginethat!”Heshiveredslightly.“Itmust
becoldupthere,thistimeofyear.Roughonthenipples,eh?Haveyoucometo
usforthewarmweather,oristheresomethingelse?”
“I go where my King commands,” she hissed, pointed chin lifting a little
higher.
“Your King?” asked Bayaz, staring about the room as though there must be
someoneelsethere,hidinginthecorner.
“My father is King of the Northmen now!” snarled Scale. He sneered at
Logen.“Youshouldkneeltohim,Bloody-Nine!”HesneeredatBayaz.“Andso
shouldyou,oldman!”
The First of the Magi spread his hands in apology. “Oh I’m afraid I don’t
kneeltoanyone.Toooldforit.Stiffnessinthejoints,yousee.”
Scale’sbootthumpedheavyonthefloorashebegantomoveforward,acurse
half out of his mouth, but his father placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Come
now,myson,thereisnoneedforkneelinghere.”Hisvoicewascoldandevenas
freshly fallen snow. “It is not fitting that we bicker. Are our interests not the
same? Peace? Peace in the North? I have come only to ask for your wisdom,
Bayaz,asIdidindayspast.Isitsowrong,toseekthehelpofanoldfriend?”No
one had ever sounded more genuine, more reasonable, more trustworthy. But
Logenknewbetter.
“Butdowe nothavepeace intheNorth already?”Bayazleanedbackinhis
chair,handsclaspedbeforehim.“Arethefeudsnotallended?Wereyounotthe
victor? Do you not have everything you wanted, and more? King of the
Northmen,eh?WhathelpcouldIpossiblyofferyou?”
“Ionlysharemycounselwithfriends,Bayaz,andyouhavebeennofriendto
meof late. Youturn away my messengers,myson even. You play host tomy
swornenemies.”HefrownedtowardsLogen,andhislipcurled.“Doyouknow
whatmannerofthingthisis?TheBloody-Nine?Ananimal!Acoward!Anoath-
breaker!Isthatthekindofcompanythatyouprefer?”
BethodsmiledafriendlysmileasheturnedbacktoBayaz,buttherewasno
missing the threat in his words. “I fear the time has come for you to decide
whetheryouarewithme,oragainstme.Therecanbenomiddlegroundinthis.
Eitheryouareapartofmyfuture,orarelicofthepast.Yoursisthechoice,my
friend.” Logen had seen Bethod give such choices before. Some men had
yielded.Theresthadgonebacktothemud.
ButBayaz,itseemed,wasnottoberushed.“Whichshallitbe?”Hereached
forwardslowlyandtookhispipefromthetable.“Thefuture,orthepast?”He
strolledovertothefireandsquatteddown,backturnedtohisthreeguests,took
astickfromthegrate,setittothebowl,andpuffedslowlyaway.Itseemedto
takeanageforhimtogetthedamnthinglit.“With,oragainst?”hemusedashe
returnedtohischair.
“Well?”demandedBethod.
Bayaz stared up at the ceiling and blew out a thin stream of yellow smoke.
Caurib looked the old Magus up and down with icy contempt, Scale twitched
with impatience, Bethod waited, eyes a little narrowed. Finally, Bayaz gave a
heavysigh.“Verywell.Iamwithyou.”
Bethodsmiledwide,andLogenfeltalurchofterribledisappointment.Hehad
hopedforbetterfromtheFirstoftheMagi.Damnfoolish,howheneverlearned
tostophoping.
“Good,” murmured the King of the Northmen. “I knew you would see my
way of thinking, in the end.” He slowly licked his lips, like a hungry man
watchinggoodfoodbroughtin.“ImeantoinvadeAngland.”
Bayazraisedaneyebrow,thenhestartedtochuckle,thenhethumpedthetable
withhisfist.“Ohthat’sgood,that’sverygood!Youfindpeacedoesnotsuityour
kingdom, eh, Bethod? The clans are not used to being friends, are they? They
hateeachotherandtheyhateyou,amIright?”
“Well,”smiledBethod,“theyaresomewhatrestive.”
“I bet they are! But send them to war with the Union, then they will be a
nation, eh? United against the common enemy, to be sure. And if you win?
You’ll be the man who did the impossible! The man who drove the damn
southernersoutoftheNorth!You’llbe loved,or atany rate,more fearedthan
ever. If you lose, well, at least you keep the clans busy a while, and sap their
strengthintheprocess.Iremembernow why I used to like you! An excellent
plan!”
Bethod looked smug. “Of course. And we will not lose. The Union is soft,
arrogant,unprepared.Withyourhelp—”
“Myhelp?”interruptedBayaz.“Youpresumetoomuch.”
“Butyou—”
“Oh,that.”TheMagusshrugged.“Iamaliar.”
Bayazlifted hispipeto hismouth.There wasamoment ofstunnedsilence.
Then Bethod’s eyes narrowed. Caurib’s widened. Scale’s heavy brow crinkled
withconfusion.Logen’ssmileslowlyreturned.
“Aliar?”hissedthesorceress.“Andmorebesides,sayI!”Hervoicestillhad
the singing note about it, but it was a different song now—hard, shrill,
murderous sharp. “You old worm! Hiding here behind your walls, and your
servants, and your books! Your time is long past, fool! You are nothing but
words and dust!” The First of the Magi calmly pursed his lips and blew out
smoke.“Wordsanddust,oldworm!Well,weshallsee.Wewillcometoyour
library!”Thewizardsethispipecarefullydownonthetable,alittlesmokestill
curling up out of the bowl. “We will come back to your library, and put your
wallstothehammer,yourservantstothesword,andyourbookstothefire!To
the—”
“Silence.”Bayazwasfrowningnow,deepereventhanhehadatCalder,days
beforeintheyardoutside.AgainLogenfeltthedesiretostepaway,butstronger
byfar.Hefoundhimselfglancingaroundtheroomforaplacetohide.Caurib’s
lipsstillmoved,butonlyameaninglesscroakcameout.
“Break my walls, would you?” murmured Bayaz. His grey brows drew
inwards,deep,hardgroovescuttingintothebridgeofhisnose.
“Killmyservants,willyou?”askedBayaz.Theroomhad turnedvery chill,
despitethelogsonthefire.
“Burn my books, say you?” thundered Bayaz. “You say too much, witch!”
Caurib’s knees buckled. Her white hand clawed at the door-frame, chains and
banglesjinglingtogetherassheslumpedagainstthewall.
“Wordsanddust,amI?”Bayazthrustupfourfingers.“Fourgiftsyouhadof
me, Bethod—the sun in winter, a storm in summer, and two things you could
neverhaveknown,butformyArt.Whathaveyougivenmeinreturn,eh?This
lakeandthisvalley,whichwereminealready,andbutoneotherthing.”Bethod’s
eyes flicked across to Logen, then back. “You owe me still, yet you send
messengers to me, you make demands, you presume to command me? That is
notmyideaofmanners.”
Scale had caught up now, and his eyes were near popping out of his head.
“Manners?WhatdoesaKingneedwithmanners?AKingtakeswhathewants!”
Andhetookaheavysteptowardsthetable.
Now Scale was big enough and cruel enough, to be sure. Most likely you
could never find a better man for kicking someone once he was down. But
Logen wasn’t down, not yet, and he was good and sick of listening to this
bloatedfool.HesteppedforwardtoblockScale’spath,restinghishandonthe
hiltofhissword.“Farenough.”
ThePrincelookedLogenoverwithhisbulgingeyes,helduphismeatyfist,
squeezing his great fingers so the knuckles turned white. “Don’t tempt me
Ninefingers, you broken cur! Your day’s long past! I could crush you like an
egg!”
“You can try it, but I’ve no mind to let you. You know my work. One step
moreandI’llsettoworkonyou,youfuckingswollenpig.”
“Scale!” snapped Bethod. “There is nothing for us here, that much is plain.
We are leaving.” The hulking prince locked his great lump of a jaw, his huge
handsclenchingandunclenchingbyhissides,gloweringatLogenwiththemost
bestialhatredimaginable.Thenhesneered,andslowlybackedaway.
Bayazleanedforward.“YousaidyouwouldbringpeacetotheNorth,Bethod,
and what have you done? You have piled war on war! The land is bled white
with your pride and your brutality! King of the Northmen? Hah! You’re not
worththehelping!Andtothink,Ihadsuchhighhopesforyou!”
Bethodonlyfrowned,hiseyesascoldasthediamondonhisforehead.“You
have made an enemy of me, Bayaz, and I am a bad enemy to have. The very
worst.Youwillyetregretthisday’swork.”HeturnedhisscornonLogen.“As
foryou,Ninefingers,youwillhavenomoremercyfromme!Everymaninthe
North will be your enemy now! You will be hated, and hunted, and cursed,
whereveryougo!Iwillseetoit!”
Logenshrugged.Therewasnothingnewthere.Bayazstoodupfromhischair.
“You’vesaidyourpiece,nowtakeyourwitchandgetyougone!”
Cauribstumbledfrom the room first, stillgaspingforair. Scale gaveLogen
one last scowl, then he turned and lumbered away. The so-called King of the
Northmenwasthelasttoleave,noddingslowlyandsweepingtheroomwitha
deadly glare. As their footsteps faded down the corridor Logen took a deep
breath,steadiedhimself,andlethishanddropfromthehiltofthesword.
“So,”saidBayazbrightly,“thatwentwell.”
ARoadBetweenTwoDentists
Pastmidnight,anditwasdarkintheMiddleway.Darkanditsmelledbad.It
alwayssmelledbaddownbythedocks:oldsaltwater,rottenfish,tarandsweat
andhorseshit.Inafewhourstimethisstreetwouldbethrongingwithnoiseand
activity. Tradesmen shouting, labourers cursing under their loads, merchants
hurryingtoandfro,ahundredcartsandwagonsrumblingoverthedirtycobbles.
Therewouldbeanendlesstideofpeople,throngingofftheshipsandthronging
on,peoplefromeverypartoftheworld,wordsshoutedineverylanguageunder
thesun. But atnightit was still.Stilland silent.Silentas the grave,andeven
worsesmelling.
“It’s down here,” said Severard, strolling towards the shadowy mouth of a
narrowalley,wedgedinbetweentwoloomingwarehouses.
“Didhegiveyoumuchtrouble?”askedGloktaasheshuffledpainfullyafter.
“Nottoomuch.”ThePracticaladjustedhismask,lettingsomeairinbehind.
Must get very clammy under there, all that breath and sweat. No wonder
Practicals tend to have bad tempers. “He gave Rews’ mattress some trouble,
stabbeditalltobits.ThenFrostknockedhimonthehead.Funnything.When
thatboyknocksamanonthehead,thetroubleallgoesoutofhim.”
“WhataboutRews?”
“Still alive.” The light from Severard’s lamp passed over a pile of putrid
rubbish.Gloktaheardratssqueakinginthedarknessastheyscurriedaway.
“Youknowallthebestneighbourhoods,don’tyouSeverard?”
“That’s what you pay me for, Inquisitor.” His dirty black boot squelched,
heedless,intothestinkingmush.Gloktalimpedgingerlyaroundit,holdingthe
hem of his coat up in his free hand. “I grew up round here,” continued the
Practical.“Folkdon’taskquestions.”
“Exceptforus.”Wealwayshavequestions.
“Course.”Severardgaveamuffledgiggle.“We’retheInquisition.”Hislamp
picked out a dented iron gate, the high wall above topped with rusty spikes.
“This is it.” Indeed, and what an auspicious-looking address it is. The gate
evidently didn’t see much use, its brown hinges squealed in protest as the
Practical unlocked it and heaved it open. Glokta stepped awkwardly over a
puddlethathadbuiltupinarutintheground,cursingashiscoattrailedinthe
foulwater.
ThehingesscreamedagainasSeverardwrestledtheheavygateshut,forehead
creasingwiththeeffort,thenheliftedthehoodonhislantern,lightingupawide
ornamentalcourtyard,chokedwithrubbleandweedsandbrokenwood.
“Andhereweare,”saidSeverard.
Itmustoncehavebeenamagnificentbuilding,initsway.Howmuchwould
allthosewindowshavecost?Howmuchallthatdecorativestonework?Visitors
musthavebeenawedbyitsownerswealth,ifnothisgoodtaste.But nomore.
The windows were blinded with rotting boards, the swirls of masonry were
chokedwithmossandcakedwithbirddroppings.Thethinlayerofgreenmarble
on the pillars was cracked and flaking, exposing the rotten plaster underneath.
Allwascrumbled,brokenanddecayed.Fallenlumpsofthefaçadewerestrewn
everywhere,castinglongshadowsonthehighwallsoftheyard.Halftheheadof
abrokencherubstaredmournfullyupatGloktaashelimpedpast.
He had been expecting some dingy warehouse, some dank cellar near the
water.“Whatisthisplace?”heasked,staringupattherottingpalace.
“Some merchant built it, years ago.” Severard kicked a lump of broken
sculptureoutofhiswayanditclatteredoffintothedarkness.“Arichman,very
rich. Wanted to live near his warehouses and his wharves, keep one eye on
business.”Hestrolledupthecrackedandmossystepstothehuge,flakingfront
door.“Hethoughttheideamightcatchon,buthowcouldit?Who’dwanttolive
roundhereiftheydidn’thaveto?Thenhelostallhismoney,asmerchantsdo.
Hiscreditorshavehadtroublefindingabuyer.”
Glokta stared at a broken fountain, leaning at an angle and half filled with
stagnantwater.“Hardlysurprising.”
Severard’s lamp barely lit the cavernous space of the entrance lull. Two
enormous,curved,slumpingstaircasesloomedoutofthegloomoppositethem.
Awidebalconyranaroundthewallsatfirstfloorlevel,butagreatsectionofit
hadcollapsed and crashedthroughthe dampfloorboardsbelow, so thatoneof
thestairwaysended,amputated,hangingintheemptyair.Thedampfloorwas
strewnwithlumpsofbrokenplaster,fallenroofingslates,shatteredtimbersand
a spattering of grey bird droppings. The night sky peered in through several
yawningholesintheroof.Gloktacouldhearthevaguesoundofpigeonscooing
inamongsttheshadowyrafters,andsomewheretheslowdrippingofwater.
Whataplace. Glokta stifled a smile. It reminds me of myself, in a way. We
bothweremagnificentonce,andwebothhaveourbestdaysfarbehindus.
“It’s big enough, wouldn’t you say?” asked Severard, picking his way in
amongsttherubbletowardsayawningdoorwayunderthebrokenstaircase,his
lampcastingstrange,slantingshadowsashemoved.
“Oh, I’d have thought so, unless we get more than a thousand prisoners at
once.”Gloktashuffledafterhim,leaningheavilyonhiscane,worriedabouthis
footingontheslimyfloor.I’llslipandfallrightonmyarse,righthereinallthis
birdshit.Thatwouldbeperfect.
Thearchopenedinto acrumbling hall,rottenplasterfallingawayinsheets,
showingthe dampbricks beneath.Gloomy doorwayspassed byoneitherside.
The sort of place that would make a man nervous, if he was prone to
nervousness.Hemightimagineunpleasantthingsinthesechambers,justbeyond
thelamplight,andhorribleactstakingplaceinthedarkness.Helookedupat
Severard, ambling jauntily along in front, tuneless whistling vaguely audible
from behind his mask, and frowned. But we are not prone to nervousness.
Perhapswearetheunpleasantthings.Perhapstheactsareours.
“Howbigisthisplace?”askedGloktaashehobbledalong.
“Thirty-fiverooms,notcountingtheservant’squarters.”
“Apalace.Howthehelldidyoufindit?”
“Iusedto sleephere,some nights.Aftermy motherdied.I foundawayin.
Theroofwasstillmostlyonbackthen,anditwasadryplacetosleep.Dryand
safe.Moreorless.” Ah, what a hard life it’sbeen.Thugandtorturer is a real
stepupforyou,isn’tit?Everymanhashisexcuses,andthemoreviletheman
becomes,themoretouchingthestoryhastobe.Whatismystorynow,Iwonder?
“Everresourceful,eh,Severard?”
“That’swhatyoupaymefor,Inquisitor.”
Theypassedintoawidespace:adrawingroom,astudy,aball-roomeven,it
wasbigenough.Oncebeautifulpanelsweresaggingfromthewalls,coveredin
mould and flaking gilt paint. Severard moved over to one, still attached, and
pusheditfirmlyatoneside.Therewasasoftclickasitswungopen,revealinga
darkarchwaybeyond. Ahiddendoor? Howdelightful.Howsinister. Howvery
appropriate.
“Thisplaceisasfullofsurprisesasyouare,”saidGlokta,limpingpainfully
towardstheopening.
“Andyouwouldn’tbelievethepriceIgot.”
“Weboughtthis?”
“Ohno.Idid.WithRews’money.AndnowI’mrentingittoyou.”Severard’s
eyessparkledinthelamplight.“It’sagoldmine!”
“Hah!”laughedGlokta,asheshuffledcarefullydownthesteps.Allthis,anda
headforbusinesstoo.PerhapsI’llbeworkingforArchLectorSeverardoneof
thesedays.Strangerthingshavehappened.Glokta’sshadowloomedoutahead
ofhimintothedarknessashelabouredcrab-likedownthesteps,hisrighthand
feelingoutthegapsbetweentheroughstoneblockstolendhimsomesupport.
“Thecellarsgoonformiles,”mutteredSeverardfrombehind.“Wehaveour
ownprivateaccesstothecanals,and to the sewers too, if you’re interested in
sewers.” They passed a dark opening on their left, then another on their right,
alwaysgoingslowlydownwards.“Frosttellsmeyoucangetallthewayfrom
heretotheAgriont,withoutoncecomingupforair.”
“Thatcouldbeuseful.”
“I’dsayso,ifyoucanstandthesmell.”
Severard’s lamp found a heavy door with a small, barred opening. “Home
again,” he said, and gave four quick knocks. A moment later Practical Frost’s
maskedfaceloomedabruptlyoutofthedarknessatthelittlewindow.“Onlyus.”
Thealbino’seyesshowednosignofwarmthorrecognition.Butthentheynever
do.Heavyboltsslidbackontheothersideofthedoor,anditswungsmoothly
open.
There was a table and chair, and fresh torches on the walls, but they were
unlit.Itmusthavebeenpitchblackinhereuntilourlittlelamparrived.Glokta
looked over at the albino. “Have you just been sitting here in the dark?” The
hulking Practical shrugged, and Glokta shook his head. “Sometimes I worry
aboutyou,PracticalFrost,Ireallydo.”
“He’s down here,” said Severard, ambling off down the hall, heels making
clickingechoesonthestoneflagsofthefloor.Thismustoncehavebeenawine
cellar: there were several barrel-vaulted chambers leading off to either side,
sealedwithheavygratings.
“Glokta!”SalemRews’ fingerswere grippedtightlyroundthebars,hisface
pressedupbetweenthem.
Gloktastoppedinfrontofthecellandrestedhisthrobbingleg.“Rews,how
areyou?Ihardlyexpectedtoseeyouagainsosoon.”Hehadlostweightalready,
hisskinwasslackandpale,stillmarkedwithfadingbruises.Hedoesnotlook
well,notwellatall.
“What’shappening,Glokta?Please,whyamIhere?”
Well,where’stheharm?“ItseemstheArchLectorstillhasauseforyou.He
wantsyoutogiveevidence.”Gloktaleanedtowardsthebars.“BeforetheOpen
Council,”hewhispered.
Rewsgrewpalerstill.“Thenwhat?”
“We’llsee.”Angland,Rews,Angland.
“WhatifIrefuse?”
“Refuse the Arch Lector?” Glokta chuckled. “No, no, no, Rews. You don’t
wanttodoathinglikethat.”HeturnedawayandshuffledafterSeverard.
“Forpity’ssake!It’sdarkdownhere!”
“You’ll get used to it!” Glokta called over his shoulder. Amazing, what one
cangetusedto.
Thelastofthechambersheldtheirlatestprisoner.Chaineduptoabracketin
thewall,nakedandbaggedofcourse.Hewasshortandstocky,tendingslightly
tofat,withfreshgrazesonhisknees,nodoubtfrombeingflungintotherough
stonecell.
“Sothisisourkiller,eh?”Themanrolledhimselfupontohiskneeswhenhe
heard Glokta’s voice, straining forward against his chains. A little blood had
soakedthroughthefrontofthebaganddriedthere,makingabrownstainonthe
canvas.
“A very unsavoury character indeed,” said Severard. “Doesn’t look too
fearsomenow,though,doeshe?”
“Theyneverdo,oncethey’rebroughttothis.Wheredowework?”
Severard’seyessmiledevenmore.“Oh,you’regoingtolikethis,Inquisitor.”
“It’satouchtheatrical,”saidGlokta,“butnonetheworseforthat.”
Theroomwaslargeandcircularwithadomedceiling,paintedwithacurious
muralthatranallthewayroundthecurvedwalls.Thebodyofamanlayonthe
grass, bleeding from many wounds, with a forest behind him. Eleven other
figures walked away, six on one side, five on the other, painted in profile,
awkwardly posed, dressed in white but their features indistinct. They faced
another man, arms stretched out, all in black and with a sea of colourfully
daubedfirebehindhim.Theharshlightfromsixbrightlampsdidn’tmakethe
worklookanybetter.Hardlyofthehighestquality,moredecorationthanart,but
theeffectisquitestriking,nonetheless.
“Noideawhatit’ssupposedtobe,”saidSeverard.
“TheMatherMa’er,”mumbledPracticalFrost.
“Of course,” said Glokta, staring up at the dark figure on the wall, and the
flames behind. “You should study your history, Practical Severard. This is the
Master Maker, Kanedias.” He turned and pointed to the dying man on the
oppositewall.“AndthisisgreatJuvens,whomhehaskilled.”Heswepthishand
over the figures in white. “And these are Juvens’ apprentices, the Magi,
marchingtoavengehim.”Ghoststories,fittoscarechildrenwith.
“What kind of man pays to have shit like this on the walls of his cellar?”
askedSeverard,shakinghishead.
“Oh,thissortofthingwasquitepopularatonetime.There’saroompainted
likethisinthepalace.Thisisacopy,andacheapone.”Gloktalookedupatthe
shadowedfaceofKanedias,staringgrimlydownintotheroom,andthebleeding
corpse on the opposite wall. “Still, there’s something quite unsettling about it,
isn’tthere?”Ortherewouldbe,ifIgaveadamn.“Blood,fire,death,vengeance.
Noideawhyyou’dwantitinthecellar.Perhapstherewassomethingdarkabout
ourfriendthemerchant.”
“There’s always something dark about a man with money,” said Severard.
“Whoarethesetwo?”
Glokta frowned, peering forward. Two small, vague figures could be seen
under the arms of the Maker, one on each side. “Who knows?” asked Glokta,
“maybethey’rehisPracticals.”
Severardlaughed.A vague exhalation of airevencamefrombehindFrost’s
mask, though his eyes showed no sign of amusement. My, my, he must be
thoroughlytickled.
Gloktashuffledtowardthetableinthecentreoftheroom.Twochairsfaced
eachotheracrossthesmooth,polishedsurface.Onewasaspare,hardaffairof
the sort you found in the cellars of the House of Questions, but the other was
altogethermoreimpressive,throne-likealmost,withsweepingarmsandahigh
back,upholsteredinbrownleather.
Gloktaplacedhiscaneagainstthetableandloweredhimselfcarefully,back
aching.“Oh,thisisanexcellentchair,”hebreathed,sinkingslowlybackintothe
softleather,stretchingouthisleg,throbbingfromthelongwalkhere.Therewas
aslightresistance.Helookedbeneaththetable.Therewasamatchingfootstool
there.
Glokta tipped his head back and laughed. “Oh this is fine! You shouldn’t
have!”Hesettledhislegdownonthestoolwithacomfortablesigh.
“It was the least we could do,” said Severard, folding his arms and leaning
against the wall next to the bleeding body of Juvens. “We did well from your
friendRews,verywell.You’vealwaysseenusright,andwedon’tforgetthat.”
“Unhhh,”saidFrost,noddinghishead.
“Youspoilme.”Gloktastrokedthepolishedwoodonthearmofthechair.My
boys.WherewouldIbewithoutyou?Backhomeinbedwithmotherfussingover
me,Isuppose,wonderinghowshe’lleverfindanicegirltomarrymenow.He
glancedovertheinstrumentsonthetable.Hiscasewasthere,ofcourse,anda
fewotherthings,well-used,butstillhighlyserviceable.Apairoflong-handled
tongsparticularlycaughthiseye.HeglancedupatSeverard.“Teeth?”
“Seemedagoodplacetostart.”
“Fair enough.” Glokta licked at his own empty gums then cracked his
knuckles,onebyone.“Teeth,itis.”
AssoonasthegagwasofftheassassinstartedscreamingattheminStyrian,
spitting and cursing, struggling pointlessly at his chains. Glokta didn’t
understandawordofit.ButIthinkIcatchthemeaning,moreorless.Something
veryoffensiveindeed,Iimagine.Somethingaboutourmothers,andsoon.ButI
amnoteasilyoffended.Hewasaroughlookingsort,facepockmarkedwithacne
scars,nosebrokenmorethanonceandbentoutofshape.Howdisappointing.I
was hoping the Mercers might have gone up-market on this occasion at least,
butthat’smerchantsforyou.Alwayslookingforthebargain.
PracticalFrostendedthetorrentofunintelligibleabusebypunchingtheman
heavilyinthestomach.That’lltakehisbreathawayforamoment.Longenough
togetthefirstwordin.
“Nowthen,”saidGlokta,“we’llhave noneof thatnonsense here.Weknow
you’reaprofessional,senttoblendinanddoajob.Youwouldn’tblendintoo
wellifyoucouldn’tevenspeakthelanguage,nowwouldyou?”
Theprisonerhad got his breathback.“Pox on all ofyou,youbastards!” he
gasped.
“Excellent! The common tongue will do nicely for our little chats. I have a
feelingwemayenduphavingseveral.Isthereanythingyouwouldliketoknow
aboutusbeforewebegin?Orshallwegetstraighttoit?”
TheprisonerstaredupsuspiciouslyatthepaintedfigureoftheMasterMaker,
loomingoverGlokta’shead.“WhereamI?”
“We’re just off the Middleway, down near the water.” Glokta winced as the
muscles in his leg suddenly convulsed. He stretched it out cautiously, waiting
untilheheardthekneeclickbeforehecarriedon.“Youknow,theMiddlewayis
one of the very arteries of the city, it runs straight through its heart, from the
Agrionttothesea.Itpassesthroughmanydifferentdistricts,hasallmannerof
notablebuildings.Someofthemostfashionableaddressesinthewholecityare
justupthelane.Tomethough,it’snothingbutaroadbetweentwodentists.”
Theprisonerseyesnarrowed,then dartedoverthe instrumentsonthetable.
Butnomorecursing.Itseemsthementionofdentistryhasgothisattention.
“Upattheotherendoftheavenue,”andGloktapointedroughlynorthwards,
“inoneofthemostexpensivepartsoftown, opposite the public gardens, in a
beautifulwhitehouseintheveryshadowoftheAgriont,istheestablishmentof
MasterFarrad.Youmighthaveheardofhim?”
“Getfucked!”
Gloktaraisedhiseyebrows.Ifonly.“TheysaythatMasterFarradisthefinest
dentistintheworld.IbelievehecamefromGurkhuloriginally,butheescaped
the tyranny of the Emperor to join us in the Union and make a better life for
himself, saving our wealthiest citizens from the terrors of bad teeth. When I
camebackfrommyownlittlevisittotheSouth,myfamilysentmetohim,to
seeiftherewasanythinghecoulddoforme.”Gloktasmiledwide,showingthe
assassin the nature of the problem. “Of course there wasn’t. The Emperors
torturerssawtothat.Buthe’sadamnfinedentist,everyonesaysso.”
“Sowhat?”
Glokta let his smile fade. “Down at the other end of the Middleway, down
nearthesea,inamongstthefilthandthescumandtheslimeofthedocks,amI.
Therentsmaybecheaphereabouts,butIfeelconfidentthat,oncewehavespent
some time together, you will not think me any less talented than the esteemed
MasterFarrad.Itissimplythatmytalentslieinadifferentdirection.Thegood
Mastereasesthepainofhispatients,whileIamadentist…”andGloktaleaned
slowlyforward“…ofadifferentsort.”
Theassassinlaughedinhisface.“Doyouthinkyoucanscaremewithabag
ontheheadandanastypainting?”HelookedroundatFrostandSeverard.“You
crowdoffreaks?”
“DoIthinkwescareyou?Thethreeofus?”Gloktaallowedhimselfachuckle
at that. “Here you sit, alone, unarmed and thoroughly restrained. Who knows
whereyouarebutus,orcarestoknow?Youhavenohopeofdeliverance,orof
escape.We’reallprofessionalshere.Ithinkyoucanguesswhat’scoming,more
orless.”Gloktagrinnedasicklygrin.“Ofcoursewescareyou,don’tplaythe
fool.You hideitwell, I’ll admit,butthat can’tlast. Thetimewill come, soon
enough,whenyou’llbebeggingtogobackinthebag.”
“You’llgetnothingfromme,”growledtheassassin,staringhimstraightinthe
eye.“Nothing.”Tough.Atoughman.Butit’seasytoacttoughbeforethework
begins.Ishouldknow.
Glokta rubbed his leg gently. The blood was flowing nicely now, the pain
almostgone.“We’llkeepitsimpletobeginwith.Names,that’s allI want,for
now.Justnames.Whydon’twestartwithyours?Atleastyoucan’ttellusyou
don’tknowtheanswer.”
Theywaited.SeverardandFroststareddownattheprisoner,thegreeneyes
smiling,thepinkonesnot.Silence.
Glokta sighed. “Right then.” Frost planted his fists on either side of the
assassins jaw, started to squeeze until his teeth were forced apart. Severard
shoved the ends of the tongs in between and forced his jaws open, much too
wide for comfort. The assassin’s eyes bulged. Hurts, doesn’t it? But that’s
nothing,believeme.
“Watchhistongue,”saidGlokta,“wewanthimtalking.”
“Don’t worry,” muttered Severard, peering into the assassin’s mouth. He
duckedbacksuddenly.“Ugh!Hisbreathsmellslikeshit!”
Ashame,butIamhardlysurprised.Cleanlivingisrarelyapriorityforhired
killers. Glokta got slowly to his feet, limped round the table. “Now then,” he
murmured, one hand hovering over his instruments, “where to begin?” He
picked up a mounted needle and craned forward, his other hand gripped tight
aroundthetopofhiscane,probingcarefullyatthekillersteeth.Notaprettyset,
tobesure.IdobelieveI’dratherhavemyteeththanhis.
“Dearme,theseareinaterriblestate.Rottenthroughandthrough.That’swhy
yourbreathstinkssobadly.There’snoexcuseforit,amanofyourage.”
“Haah!”yelpedtheprisonerasGloktatouchedanerve.Hetriedtospeak,but
withthetongsinplacehemadelesssensethanPracticalFrost.
“Quietnow,you’vehadyourchancetotalk.Perhapsyou’llgetanotherlater,I
haven’t decided.” Glokta put the needle back down on the table, shaking his
headsadly.“Yourteethareafuckingdisgrace.Revolting.Idodeclare,they’re
justaboutfallingoutontheirown.Doyouknow,”hesaid,ashetookthelittle
hammer and chisel from the table, “I do believe you’d be better off without
them.”
Flatheads
Greymorningtime,outinthecold,wetwoods,andtheDogmanwasjustsat
there,thinkingabout how things usedtobebetter.Satthere, minding the spit,
turningitroundeveryonceinawhileandtryingnottogettoonervouswiththe
waiting.TulDuruwasn’thelpinganywiththat.Hewasstridingupanddownthe
grass, round the old stones and back, wearing his great boots out, about as
patient as a wolf on heat. Dogman watched him stomping—clomp, clomp,
clomp. He’d learned a long time ago that great fighters are only good for one
thing. Fighting. At pretty much everything else, and at waiting in particular,
they’refuckinguseless.
“Whydon’tyousityourselfdown,Tul?”mutteredDogman.“There’sstones
aplentyforthepurpose.Warmerherebythefireandall.Restthoseflappingfeet
o’yours,you’regettingmetwitchy.”
“Sitmedown?”rumbledthegiant,comingupandloomingovertheDogman
likeagreatbloodyhouse.“HowcanIsit,oryoueither?”Hefrownedacrossthe
ruinsandintothetreesfromunderhisgreat,heavybrows.“Yousurethisisthe
place?”
“This is the place.” Dogman stared round at the broken stones, hoping like
hellthatitwas.Hecouldn’tdenytherewasnosignof’emyet.“They’llbehere,
don’tyouworry.”Solongastheyain’tallgotthemselveskilled,hethought,but
hehadthesensenottosayit.He’dspentenoughtimemarchingwithTulDuru
Thunderhead to know—you don’t get that man stirred up. Unless you want a
brokenhead,o’course.
“Theybetterbeheresoonisall.”Tul’sbloodygreathandscurledupintofists
fittobreakrockswith.“Igotnotasteforjustsittinghere,arseinthewind!”
“NordoI,neither,”saidtheDogman,showinghispalmsanddoinghisbestto
keepeverythinggentle,“butdon’tyoufretonit,biglad.They’llbealongsoon
enough,justthewayweplanned.Thisistheplace.”Heeyedthehogcrackling
away,drippingsomenicegravyinthefire.Hismouthwaswateringgoodnow,
hisnosewasfullofthesmellofmeat…andsomethingelsebeside.Justawhiff.
Helookedup,sniffing.
“Yousmellsomething?”askedTul,peeringintothewoods.
“Something,maybe.”TheDogmanleaneddownandtookaholdonhisbow.
“Whatisit?Shanka?”
“Not sure, could be.” He sniffed the air again. Smelled like a man, and a
mightysour-smellingoneatthat.
“Icouldhavekilledthefuckingpairo’you!”
Dogmanspanabout,halffallingoverandnearfumblinghisbowwhilehedid
it.BlackDow wasn’tten strides behindhim,downwind, creeping over to the
firewithanastygrin.Grimwasathisshoulder,faceblankasawall,asalways.
“You bastards!” bellowed Tul. “You near made me shit with your sneaking
around!”
“Good,”sneeredDow.“Youcouldlosesomefuckinglard.”
Dogman took a long breath and tossed his bow back down. Some relief to
know they were in the right spot after all, but he could’ve done without the
scare.He’dbeenjumpysincehesawLogengoovertheedgeofthatcliff.Roll
rightonoverandnotathinganyonecoulddoaboutit.Couldhappentoanyone
anytime,death,andthatwasafact.
Grimclamberedoverthebrokenstonesandsathimselfdownononenextto
the Dogman, gave him the barest of nods. “Meat?” barked Dow, shoving past
Tulandfloppingdownbesidethefire,rippingalegoffthecarcassandtearing
intoitwithhisteeth.
And that was it. That was all the greeting, after a month or more apart. “A
man with friends is rich indeed,” muttered the Dogman out the corner of his
mouth.
“Whatsay?”spatDow,coldeyesslidinground,hismouthfullofpig,hisdirty,
stubblychinallshinywithgrease.
Dogman showed his palms again. “Nothing to take offence at.” He’d spent
enough time marching with Black Dow to know—you might as well cut your
ownneckasmakethatevilbastardangry.“Anytroublewhilewewassplitup?”
heasked,lookingtochangethesubject.
Grimnodded.“Some.”
“Fucking Flatheads!” snarled Dow, spraying bits of meat in Dogman’s face.
“They’re bloody everywhere!” He pointed the hog’s leg across the fire like it
was a blade. “I’ve taken enough of this shit! I’m going back south. It’s too
bloody cold by half, and fucking Flatheads everywhere! Bastards! I’m going
south!”
“Youscared?”askedTul.
Dowturnedtolookupathimwithabigyellowgrin,andtheDogmanwinced.
Itwasadamnfoolofaquestion,that.He’dneverbeenscaredinhislife,Black
Dow.Didn’tknowwhatitwastobescared.“FearedofafewShanka?Me?”He
gaveanastylaugh.“Wedonesomeworkonthem,whileyoutwobeensnoring.
Gavesomeof’emwarmbedstosleepin.Toowarmbyhalf.”
“Burned’em,”mutteredGrim.Thatwasafullday’stalkoutofhimalready.
“Burned a whole fucking pile of ’em,” hissed Dow, grinning like he never
heardsuchajokeascorpsesonfire.“Theydon’tscareme,biglad,nomore’n
youdo,butIdon’tplantositherewaitingfor’emneither,justsoThreetreeshas
timeto haul hisflabbyold arse outofbed. I’m goingsouth!”Andhe tore off
anothermouthfulofmeat.
“Who’sgottheflabbyarsenow?”
Dogman cracked a grin as he saw Threetrees striding over towards the fire,
and he started up and grabbed the old boy by the hand. He had Forley the
Weakestwithhimandall,andDogmanclappedthelittlemanonthebackashe
came past. Nearly knocked him over, he was that pleased to see they were all
aliveandmade it through another month. Didn’thurt tohavesomeleadership
round the fire, neither. Everyone looked happy for once, smiling and pressing
handsandalltherest.EveryonebutDow,o’course.Hejustsatthere,staringat
thefire,suckingonhisbone,facesourasoldmilk.
“Rightgoodtoseeyouagain,lads,andallinonepiece.”Threetreesheftedhis
bigroundshieldoffhisshoulderandleantitupagainstabrokenoldbitofwall.
“How’veyoubeen?”
“Fuckingcold,”saidDow,notevenlookingup.“We’regoingsouth.”
Dogman sighed. Back together for ten heartbeats and the bickering was
alreadystarted. It was goingtobea tough crowd now, withoutLogento keep
thingssettled.Atoughcrowd,andapttogetbloody.Threetreeswasn’trushing
intoanything,though.Hetookamomenttothinkonit,likealways.Helovedto
takehismoment,thatone.Thatwaswhatmadehimsodangerous.“Goingsouth,
eh?”saidThreetrees,afterhe’dcheweditoverforaminute.“Andjustwhendid
allthisgetdecided?”
“Nothing’sdecided,”saidtheDogman,showinghispalmsonemoretime.He
reckonedhemightbedoingthatalotfromnowon.
TulDurufrowneddownatDow’sback.“Nothingatall,”herumbled,mightily
annoyedathavinghismindmadeupforhim.
“Nothingisright,”saidThreetrees,slowandsteadyasthegrassgrowing.“I
don’trecallthisbeingnovotingband.”
Dowtooknotimeatalltothinkaboutthat.Henevertooktime,thatone.That
was what made him so dangerous. He leaped up, flinging the bone onto the
ground, squaring up to Threetrees with a fighting look. “I… say… south!” he
snarled,eyesbulginglikebubblesonastew.
Threetreesdidn’tbackdownastep.Thatwouldn’thavebeenhiswayatall.
He took his moment to think on it, course, then he took a step forward of his
own, so his nose and Dow’s were almost touching. “If you wanted a say, you
shouldhavebeatenNinefingers,”hegrowled,“insteadoflosingliketherestof
us.”
BlackDow’sfaceturneddarkastaratthat.Hedidn’tlikebeingremindedof
losing.“TheBloody-Nine’sgonebacktothemud!”hesnarled.“Dogmanseen
it,didn’tyou?”
Dogmanhadtonod.“Aye,”hemuttered.
“Sothat’stheendofthat!There’snoreasonforustobepissingaroundhere,
Northofthemountains,withFlatheadscrawlingupourarses!Isaysouth!”
“Ninefingers may be dead,” said Threetrees in Dow’s face, “but your debt
ain’t.WhyhesawfittospareamanasworthlessasyouI’llneverknow,buthe
namedmeassecond,”andhetappedhisbigchest,“andthatmeansI’mtheone
withthesay!Meandnoother!”
Dogmantookacarefulstepback.Thetwoof’emwereshapingupforblows
alright, and he’d no wish to get a bloody nose in all the confusion. It would
hardlyhavebeenthefirsttime.Forleytookastabatkeepingthepeace.“Come
onboys,”hesaid,allniceandsoft,“there’snoneedforthis.”Hemightnothave
beenmuchatkilling,Forley,buthewasadamngoodboyforstoppingthosethat
werefromkillingeachother.Dogmanwishedhimluckwithit.“Comeon,why
don’tyou—”
“Shutyourfuckinghole,you!”growledDow,onedirtyfingerstabbingsavage
inForley’sface.“What’syourfuckingsayworth,Weakest?”
“Leavehimbe!”rumbledTul,holdinghisgreatfistupunderDow’schin,“or
I’llgiveyousomethingtoshoutabout!”
TheDogmancouldhardlylook.DowandThreetreeswerealwayspickingat
eachother.Theygotfiredupquickanddampeddownquick.TheThunderhead
wasadifferentanimal.Oncethatbigoxgotproperlyriledtherewasnocalming
him.Notwithouttenstrongmenandalotofrope.Dogmantriedtothinkwhat
Logenwouldhavedone.He’dhaveknownhowtostop’emfighting,ifhehadn’t
beendead.
“Shit!”shoutedDogman,jumpingupfromthefireallofasudden.“There’s
fuckingShankacrawling all over us!Andifwe get through with themthere’s
alwaysBethodtothinkon!We’veaworldfullofscorestosettlewithoutmaking
moreourselves!Logen’sgoneandThreetreesissecond,andthat’stheonlysay
I’llhear!”Hedidsomejabbingwithhisownfinger,atnooneinparticular,then
hewaited,hopinglikehellthatithaddonethetrick.
“Aye,”gruntedGrim.
Forleystartednoddinglikeawoodpecker.“Dogman’sright!Weneedtofight
eachotherlikeweneedthecock-rot!Threetreesissecond.He’sthechiefnow.”
Itwasquietforamoment,andDowfixedtheDogmanwiththatcold,empty,
killinglook,likethecatwiththemousebetweenitspaws.Dogmanswallowed.
Alotofmen,mostmeneven,wouldn’thavedaredmeetnolooklikethatfrom
BlackDow.HegotthenamefromhavingtheblackestreputationintheNorth,
withcomingsuddenintheblackofnight,andleavingthevillagesbehindhim
blackfromfire.Thatwastherumour.Thatwasthefact.
IttookallthebonesDogmanhadnottostareathisboots.Hewasjustreadyto
doitwhenDowlookedaway,eyedtheothers,oneatatime.Mostmenwouldn’t
have met that look, but these here weren’t most men. You could never have
hopedtomeetabloodiercrowd,notanywhereunderthesun.Notaoneofthem
backeddown,orevenseemedtoconsiderit.ApartfromForleytheWeakest,of
course,hewasstaringatthegrassbeforehisturnevencame.
OnceDowsawtheywereallagainsthimhecrackedahappysmile,justasif
there never was a problem. “Fair enough,” he said to Threetrees, the anger all
seemingtodrainawayinaninstant.“What’sittobethen,chief?”
Threetreeslookedoveratthewoods.Hesniffedandsuckedathis teeth.He
scratchedathisbeard,takinghismomenttothinkonit.Helookedeachoneof
themover,considering.“Wegosouth,”hesaid.
Hesmelled’embeforehesaw’em,butthatwasalwaysthewaywithhim.He
hada goodnose,did theDogman,that’showhegot thenameafter all.Being
honestthough,anyonecouldhavesmelled’em.Theyfuckingstank.
Thereweretwelvedownintheclearing.Sitting,eating,gruntingtoeachother
intheirnasty,dirtytongue,bigyellowteethstickingouteverywhere,dressedin
lumpsofsmellyfurandreekinghideandoddbitsofrustyarmour.Shanka.
“Fucking Flatheads,” Dogman muttered to himself. He heard a soft hiss
behind,turnedroundtoseeGrimpeeringupfrombehindabush.Heheldouthis
openhandtosaystop,tappedthetopofhisskulltosayFlatheads,helduphis
fist,thentwofingerstosaytwelve,andpointedbackdownthetracktowardsthe
others.Grimnoddedandfadedawayintothewoods.
TheDogmantookonelastlookattheShanka,justtomakesuretheywereall
stillunwary.Theywere,soheslippedbackdownthetreeandoff.
“They’recampedroundtheroad,twelvethatIsaw,maybemore.”
“Theylookingforus?”askedThreetrees.
“Maybe,buttheyain’tlookingtoohard.”
“Couldwegetaroundthem?”askedForley,alwayslookingtomissoutona
fight.
Dowspatontotheground,alwayslookingtogetintoone.“Twelveisnothing!
Wecandothemalright!”
The Dogman looked over at Threetrees, thinking it out, taking his moment.
Twelvewasn’tnothing,andtheyallknewit,butitmightbebettertodealwith
themthanleavethemfreeandeasybehind.
“What’sittobe,chief?”askedTul.
Threetreessethisjaw.“Weapons.”
Afightingman’safoolthatdon’tkeephisweaponscleanandready.Dogman
had been over his no more’n an hour before. Still, you won’t be killed for
checking’em,whileyoumightbefornotdoingit.
There was the hissing of steel on leather, the clicking of wood and the
clanking of metal. Dogman watched Grim twang at his bowstring, check over
thefeathersonhisshafts.HewatchedTulDururunhisthumbdowntheedgeof
hisbigheavy sword,almostas tallasForleywas,cluckinglikeachickenata
spot of rust. He watched Black Dow rubbing a rag on the head of his axe,
lookingatthebladewitheyessoftasalovers.HewatchedThreetreestuggingat
thebucklesonhisshieldstraps,swishinghisbladethroughtheair,brightmetal
glinting.
TheDogmangaveasigh,pulledthestrapsonhisguardtighterroundhisleft
wrist,checkedthewoodofhisbowforcracks.Hemadesureallhiskniveswere
wheretheyshouldbe.Youcanneverhavetoomanyknives,Logenhadtoldhim
once, and he’d taken it right to heart. He watched Forley checking his short-
swordwithclumsyhands,hismouthchewingaway,eyesallwetwithfear.That
gothisownnervesjumping,andheglancedroundattheothers.Dirty,scarred,
frowns’ and lotsof beard.Therewas nofear there,nofear atall,but thatwas
nothingtobeshamedat.Differentmenhavedifferentways,Logenhadtoldhim
once,andyouhavetohavefeartohavecourage.He’dtakenthatrighttoheartas
well.
HewalkedovertoForleyandgavehimaclapontheshoulder.“Youhaveto
havefeartohavecourage,”hesaid.
“Thatso?”
“Sotheysay,andit’sagoodthingtoo.”TheDogmanleanedclosesonoone
elsecouldhear.“CauseI’maboutreadytoshit.”Hereckonedthat’swhatLogen
wouldhavedone,andnowthatLogenhadgonebacktothemuditfelltohim.
Forleygavehalfasmile,butitslumpedprettyfast,andhelookedmorescared
thenever.There’sonlysomuchyoucando.
“Right,boys,”saidThreetrees,oncethegearwasallcheckedandstowedinits
properplaces,“here’s howwe’ll getit done.Grim, Dogman,opposite sidesof
theircamp,outinthetrees.Waitforthesignal,thenshootanyFlatheadwitha
bow.Failingthat,whateversclosest.”
“Rightyouare,chief,”saidtheDogman.Grimgaveanod.
“Tul,youandme’lltakethefront,butwaitforthesignal,eh?”
“Aye,”rumbledthegiant.
“Dow,youandForleyattheback.Youcomeonwhenyouseeusgo.Butthis
timeyouwaitforustogo!”hissedThreetrees,stabbingwithhisthickfinger.
“Course,chief.”Dowshruggedhisshoulders,justasthoughhealwaysdidas
hewastold.
“Rightthen,thereitis,”saidThreetrees,“anyonestillconfused?Anyempty
headsroundthefire?”TheDogmanmumbledandshookhishead.Theyalldid.
“Fairenough.Justonemorething.”Theoldboyleanedforward,lookingateach
ofthemonebyone.“Wait…for…the…fucking…signal!”
Itwasn’t’tiltheDogmanwashidbehindabushwithhisbowinhishandand
ashaftatthereadythatherealised.He’dnoideawhatthesignalwas.Helooked
downattheShanka,stillsatthereallunwary,gruntingandshoutingandbanging
about.Bythedeadheneededtopiss.Alwaysneededtopissbeforeafight.Had
anyonesaidthesignal?Hecouldn’tremember.
“Shit,”hewhispered,andjustthenDowcamehurtlingoutfromthetrees,axe
inonehand,swordintheother.
“FuckingFlatheads!”hescreamed,givingthenearestafearsomebigblowin
the head and splattering blood across the clearing. In so far as you could tell
what a Shanka was thinking, these ones looked greatly surprised. Dogman
reckonedthatwouldhavetodoforasignal.
HeletloosehisshaftatthenearestFlathead,justreachingforabigcluband
watched it catch it through the armpit with a satisfying thunk. “Hah!” he
shouted. He saw Dow spit another through the back with his sword, but there
wasabigShankanowwithaspearreadytothrow.Anarrowcameloopingout
ofthetreesandstuckitthroughtheneck,anditletgoasquealandsprawledout
backwards.ThatGrimwasadamngoodshot.
NowThreetreescameroaringfromthescrubontheothersideoftheclearing,
catchingthemoffguard.HebargedoneFlatheadinthebackwithhisshieldand
it sprawled face-first into the fire, he hacked at another with his sword. The
DogmanletgoashaftanditstuckaShankainitsgut.Itdroppeddownonits
kneesandamomentlaterTultookitsheadoffwithagreatswingofhissword.
The fight was joined and moving quick—chop, grunt, scrape, rattle. There
was blood flying and weapons swinging and bodies dropping too fast for the
Dogman to try an arrow at. The three of them had the last few hemmed in,
squawkingandgibbering.TulDuruwasswinginghisbigswordaround,keeping
thematbay.Threetreesdartedinandchoppedthelegsoutfromunderone,and
Dowcutanotherdownasitlookedround.
Thelastonesquawkedandmadearunforthetrees.Dogmanshotatit,buthe
washurryingandhemissed.ThearrowalmosthitDowintheleg,butluckilyhe
didn’tnotice. Ithadalmost gotawayinto thebushes,then itsquealed and fell
back,thrashing.Forleyhadstabbedit,hidinginthescrub.“Igotone!”heyelled.
It was quiet for a moment, while the Dogman scrambled down toward the
clearingandtheyalllookedroundtoseeiftherewasanythinglefttofight,then
BlackDowgaveagreatbellow,shakinghisbloodyweaponsoverhishead.“We
fuckingkilled’em!”
“Younearlykilledusall,youdamnfool!”shoutedThreetrees.
“Eh?”
“Whataboutthefuckingsignal?”
“IthoughtIheardyoushout!”
“Inever!”
“Did you not?” asked Dow, looking greatly puzzled. “What was the signal
anyhow?”
Threetreesgaveasighandputhisheadinhishands.
Forleywasstillstaringdown at his sword. “I got one!” he said again. Now
thatthefightwasover,theDogmanwasaboutreadytoburst,soheturnedround
andpissedagainstatree.
“Wekilled’em!”shoutedTul,clappinghimontheback.
“Watch out!” yelled Dogman as piss went all down his leg. They all had a
laughathimoverthat.EvenGrimhadhimselfalittlechuckle.
TulshookThreetreesbytheshoulder.“Wekilled’em,chief!”
“We killed these, aye,” he said, looking sour, “but there’ll be plenty more.
Thousandsof’em.Theywon’tbehappystayinguphereneither,upherebeyond
the mountains. Sooner or later they’ll be going south. Maybe in the summer,
whenthepassesclear,maybelater.Butit’snotlongoff.”
The Dogman glanced at the others, all shifty and worried after that little
speech.Theglowofvictoryhadn’tlastedtoolong.Itneverdid.Helookedround
atthedeadFlatheadsontheground,brokenandbloody,sprawledandcrumpled.
Itseemedahollowlittlevictorythey’dhadnow.“Shouldn’twetryandtell’em,
Threetrees?”heasked.“Shouldn’twetryandwarnsomeone?”
“Aye.”Threetreesgaveasadlittlesmile.“Butwho?”
TheCourseofTrueLove
JezaltrudgedmiserablyacrossthegreyAgriontwithhisfencingsteelsinhis
hand:yawning,stumbling,grumbling,stillhorriblysorefromhisendlessrunthe
day before. He hardly saw anyone as he dragged himself to his daily bullying
fromLordMarshalVaruz.Apartfromtheoddprematuretweetingofsomebird
inamongstthegablesandthetiredscrapingofhisownreluctantboots,allwas
quiet.Noonewasupatthistime.Nooneshouldbeupatthistime.Himleastof
all.
Hehauledhisachinglegsthroughthearchwayandupthetunnel.Thesunwas
barely above the horizon and the courtyard beyond was full of deep shadows.
SquintingintothedarknesshecouldseeVaruzsatatthetable,waitingforhim.
Damnit.Hehadhopedtobeearlyforonce.Didtheoldbastardsleepatall?
“LordMarshal!”shoutedJezal,breakingintoahalf-heartedjog.
“No.Nottoday.”A shiver crept up Jezal’s neck. It was not the voice of his
fencingmaster,buttherewassomethingunpleasantlyfamiliaraboutit.“Marshal
Varuzisbusywithmoreimportantmattersthismorning.”InquisitorGloktawas
sittingintheshadowsbythetableandsmilingupwithhisrevoltinggap-toothed
grin.Jezal’sskinprickledwithdisgust.Itwashardlywhatoneneededfirstthing
inthemorning.
He slowed to a reluctant walk and stopped next to the table. “You will
doubtless be pleased to learn that there will be no running, or swimming, or
beam,orheavybartoday,”saidthecripple.“Youwon’tevenbeneedingthose.”
HewavedhiscaneatJezal’sfencingsteels.“Wewilljustbehavingalittlechat.
Thatisall.”
TheideaoffivepunishinghourswithVaruzseemedsuddenlyveryappealing,
but Jezal was not about to show his discomfort. He tossed his steels onto the
table with a loud rattle and sat down carelessly in the other chair, Glokta
regardinghimfromtheshadowsallthewhile.Jezalhaditinmindtostarehim
into some kind of submission, but it proved a vain attempt. After a couple of
secondslookingatthatwastedface,thatemptygrin,thosefever-brightsunken
eyes,hebegantofindthetabletopmostinteresting.
“Sotellme,Captain,whydidyoutakeupfencing?”
Agamethen.Aprivatehandofcardswithonlytwoplayers.Andeverything
thatwassaidwouldgetbacktoVaruz,thatwassure.Jezalwouldhavetoplay
his hand carefully, keep his cards close and his wits about him. “For my own
honour,forthatofmyfamily,forthatofmyKing,”hesaidcoldly.Thecripple
couldtryandfindfaultwiththatanswer.
“Ah,soit’sforthebenefitofyournationthatyouputyourselfthroughthis.
Whatafinecitizenyoumustbe.Whatselflessness.Whatanexampletousall.”
Gloktasnorted.“Please!Ifyoumustlie,atleastpickaliethatyouyourselffind
convincing.Thatanswerisaninsulttousboth.”
Howdarethistoothlesshas-beentakethattonewithhim?Jezal’slegsgavea
twitch:hewasrightonthepointofgettingupandwalkingaway,Varuzandhis
hideousstoogebedamned.Buthecaughtthecripple’seyeasheputhishandson
thearmsofthechairtopushhimselfup.Gloktawassmilingathim,amocking
sortofsmile.Toleavewouldbetoadmitdefeatsomehow.Whydidhetakeup
fencinganyway?“Myfatherwantedmetodoit.”
“So,so.My heart brims with sympathy.Theloyalson, bound by his strong
sense of duty, is forced to fulfil his fathers ambitions. A familiar tale, like a
comfortableoldchairwealllovetositin.Tell’emwhattheywanttohear,eh?A
betteranswer,butjustasfarfromthetruth.”
“Why don’t you tell me then?” snapped Jezal sulkily, “since you seem to
knowsomuchaboutit!”
“Alright,Iwill.Mendon’tfencefortheirKing,orfortheirfamilies,orforthe
exerciseeither,beforeyoutrythatoneonme.Theyfencefortherecognition,for
theglory.Theyfencefortheirownadvancement.Theyfenceforthemselves.I
shouldknow.”
“Youshouldknow?”Jezalsnorted.“Ithardlyseemstohaveworkedinyour
case.”Heregretted it immediately.Damnhis mouth, it gothimin all kinds of
trouble.
But Glokta only flashed his disgusting smile again. “It was working well
enough,untilIfoundmywayintotheEmperorsprisons.What’syourexcuse,
liar?”
Jezaldidn’tlikethewaythisconversationwasgoing.Hewastoousedtoeasy
victoriesatthecardtable,andpoorplayers.Hisskillshaddulled.Bettertosit
thisoneoutuntilhegotthemeasureofhisnewopponent.Heclampedhisjaw
shutandsaidnothing.
“Ittakeshardwork,ofcourse,winningaContest.Youshouldhaveseenour
mutual friend Collem West working. He sweated at it for months, running
around while the rest of us laughed at him. A jumped-up, idiot commoner
competing with his betters, that’s what we all thought. Blundering through his
forms,stumblingaboutonthebeam,beingmadeafoolof,againandagain,day
afterday.Butlookathimnow.”Gloktatappedhiscanewithafinger.“Andlook
at me. Seems he had the last laugh, eh, Captain? Just shows what you can
achieve with a little hard work. You’ve twice the talent he had, and the right
blood.Youdon’thavetoworkonetenthsohard,butyourefusetoworkatall.”
Jezalwasn’tabouttoletthatonepast.“Notworkatall?Don’tIputmyself
throughthistortureeveryday—”
“Torture?”askedGloktasharply.
Jezalrealisedtoolatehisunfortunatechoiceofwords.“Well,”hemumbled,“I
meant.”
“Iknowmorethanalittleaboutbothfencingandtorture.BelievemewhenI
say,”andtheInquisitorsgrotesquegringrewwiderstill,“thatthey’retwoquite
differentthings.”
“Er…”saidJezal,stilloffbalance.
“Youhavetheambitions,andthemeanstorealisethem.Alittleeffortwould
doit.Afewmonths’hardwork,thenyou wouldprobablynever needtotryat
anything again in your life, if that’s what you want. A few short months, and
you’reset.”Gloktalickedathisemptygums.“Barringaccidentsofcourse.It’sa
great chance you’ve been offered. I’d take it; if I was you, but I don’t know.
Maybeyou’reafoolaswellasaliar.”
“I’mnofool,”saidJezalcoldly.Itwasthebesthecoulddo.
Glokta raised an eyebrow, then winced, leaning heavily on his cane as he
slowly pushed himself to his feet. “Give it up if you like, by all means. Sit
aroundfortherestofyourdaysanddrinkandtalkshitwiththerestofthejunior
officers.Therearealotofpeoplewho’dbemorethanhappytolivethatlife.A
lotofpeoplewhohaven’thadthechancesyou’vehad.Giveitup.LordMarshal
Varuz will be disappointed, and Major West, and your father, and so on, but
please believe me when I say,” and he leaned down, still smiling his horrible
smile,“thatIcouldn’tcareless.Goodday,CaptainLuthar.”AndGloktalimped
offtowardthearchway.
Afterthatlessthandelightfulinterview,Jezalfoundhimselfwithafewhours
ofunexpectedfreetimeonhishands—buthewasscarcelyintheframeofmind
toenjoyit.Hewanderedtheemptystreets,squaresandgardensoftheAgriont,
thinkinggrimlyonwhatthecripplehadsaidtohim,cursingthenameofGlokta,
butunabletoquitepushtheconversationfromhismind.Heturneditoverand
over, every phrase, constantly coming up with new things that he should have
said.Ifonlyhehadthoughtofthematthetime.
“Ah, Captain Luthar!” Jezal started and looked up. A man he did not
recognisewassittingonthedewygrassbeneathatree,smilingupathim,ahalf-
eatenappleinhishand.“Theearlymorningistheperfecttimeforastroll,Ifind.
Calm and grey and clean and empty. It’s nothing like the gaudy pinkness of
eveningtime.Allthatclutter,allthosepeoplecomingandgoing.Howcanone
thinkinamongstall that nonsense? And now I see you are of thesamemind.
Howdelightful.”Hetookabig,crunchingbiteoutoftheapple.
“DoIknowyou?”
“Ohno,no,”saidthestranger,gettingtohisfeetandbrushingsomedirtfrom
theseatofhistrousers,“notyet.MynameisSulfur,YoruSulfur.”
“Really?AndwhatbringsyoutotheAgriont?”
“YoumightsayIhavecomeonadiplomaticmission.”
Jezallookedhimover,tryingtoplacehisorigin.“Amissionfrom?”
“Frommymaster,ofcourse,”saidSulfurunhelpfully.Hiseyesweredifferent
colours,Jezalnoticed.Anuglyandoff-puttingcharacteristic,heratherthought.
“Andyourmasteris?”
“A very wise and powerful man.” He stripped the core with his teeth and
tosseditawayintothebushes,wipinghishandsonthefrontofhisshirt.“Isee
you’vebeenfencing.”
Jezalglanceddownathissteels.“Yes,”hesaid,realisingthathehadfinally
cometoadecision,“butforthelasttime.I’mgivingitup.”
“Oh dear me, no!” The strange man seized Jezal by the shoulder. “Oh dear
me,noyoumustn’t!”
“What?”
“No,no!Mymasterwouldbehorrifiedifheknew.Horrified!Giveupfencing
and you give up more than that! This is how one comes to the notice of the
public, you see? They decide, in the end. There’s no nobility without the
commoners,nonobilityatall!Theydecide!”
“What?”Jezalglancedaroundthepark,hopingtocatchsightofaguardsohe
couldnotifyhimthatadangerousmadmanwaslooseintheAgriont.
“No,youmustn’tgiveitup!Iwon’thearofit!Noindeed!I’msurethatyou’ll
stickwithitafterall!Youmust!”
JezalshookSulfurshandoffhisshoulder.“Whoareyou?”
“Sulfur,YoruSulfur,atyourservice.Seeyouagain,Captain,attheContest,if
notbefore!”Andhewavedoverhisshoulderashestrolledoff.
Jezalstaredafterhim,mouthslightlyopen.“Damnit!”heshouted,throwing
his steels down on the grass. Everyone seemed to want to take a hand in his
businesstoday,evencrazystrangersinthepark.
Assoonashethoughtitwaslateenough,JezalwenttocallonMajorWest.
Youcouldalwaysbesureofasympatheticearwithhim,andJezalwashoping
thathemightbeabletomanipulatehisfriendintobreakingthebadnewstoLord
MarshalVaruz.Thatwasascenethathewantednopartof,ifhecouldpossibly
avoid it. He knocked on the door and waited, he knocked again. The door
opened.
“CaptainLuthar!Whatanalmostunbearablehonour!”
“Ardee,”mutteredJezal,somewhatsurprisedtofindherhere,“it’sgoodtosee
youagain.”Foronceheactuallymeantit.Shewasinteresting,iswhatshewas.
It was a new and refreshing thing for him to actually be interested in what a
womanhadtosay.Andshewasdamngood-lookingtoo,therewasnodenying
it, and seemed prettier every time he saw her. Nothing could ever happen
betweenthem,ofcourse,whatwithWestbeinghisfriendandall,buttherewas
noharminlooking,wasthere?“Er…isyourbrotheraround?”
She threw herself carelessly down onto the settle against the wall, one leg
stretchedout,looking very sour.“He’sout.Gone out. Always busy. Much too
busyforme.”Therewasadefiniteflushtohercheek.Jezal’seyelightedonthe
decanter.Thestopperwasoutandthewinewashalfwaydown.
“Areyoudrunk?”
“Somewhat,”shesquintedatahalf-fullwineglassatherelbow,“butmostly
I’mjustbored.”
“It’snoteventen.”
“Can’tIbeboredbeforeten?”
“YouknowwhatImean.”
“Leavethe moralisingtomy brother. It suitshim better.Andhavea drink.”
Shewavedherhandatthebottle.“Youlooklikeyouneedone.”
Well,thatwastrueenough.Hepouredhimselfaglassandsatdowninachair
facingArdee,whilesheregardedhimwithheavy-liddedeyes.Shetookherown
glassfromthetable.Therewasathickbooklyingnexttoit,facedown.
“How’sthebook?”askedJezal.
The Fall of the Master Maker, in three volumes. They say it’s one of the
greatclassicsofhistory.Lotofboringrubbish,”shesnortedderisively.“Fullof
wiseMagi,sternknightswithmightyswordsandladieswithmightierbosoms.
Magic, violence and romance, in equal measure. Utter shit.” She slapped the
bookoffthetableandittumbledontothecarpet,pagesflapping.
“Theremustbesomethingyoucanfindtokeepbusy?”
“Really?Whatwouldyousuggest?”
“Mycousinsdoalotofembroidery.”
“Fuckyourself.”
“Hmm,”saidJezal,smiling.Theswearingnolongerseemedhalfsooffensive
asithaddonewhentheyfirstmet.“Whatdidyoudoathome,inAngland?”
“Oh,home,”herheaddroppedagainstthebackofthesettle.“IthoughtIwas
boredthere.Icouldhardlywaittocomeheretothebrightcentreofthings.Now
Icanhardlywaittogoback.Marrysomefarmer.Haveadozenbrats.Atleast
I’d get some conversation that way.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “But
Collem won’t let me. He feels responsible, now that our fathers dead. Thinks
it’s too dangerous. He’d rather I didn’t get slaughtered by the Northmen, but
that’saboutwherehissenseofresponsibilityends.Itcertainlydoesn’textendto
spendingtenminutestogetherwithme.SoitlookslikeI’mstuckhere,withall
youarrogantsnobs.”
Jezalshifteduncomfortablyinhisseat.“Heseemstomanage.”
“Oh yes,” snorted Ardee, “Collem West, he’s a damn fine fellow! Won a
Contest don’t you know? First through the breach at Ulrioch, wasn’t he? No
breeding at all, never be one of us, but a damn fine fellow, for a commoner!
Shameaboutthatupstartsisterofhisthough,toocleverbyhalf.Andtheysay
shedrinks,”shewhispered.“Doesn’tknowherplace.Totaldisgrace.Bestjustto
ignoreher.”Shesighedagain.“Yes,thesoonerIgohome,thehappiereveryone
willbe.”
“Iwon’tbehappier.”Damn,didhesaythatoutloud?
Ardeelaughed,nonetoopleasantly.“Well,it’senormouslynobleofyoutosay
so.Whyaren’tyoufencinganyway?”
“Marshal Varuz was busy today.” He paused for a moment. “In fact, I had
yourfriendSanddanGloktaasfencingmasterthismorning.”
“Really?Whatdidhehavetosayforhimself?”
“Variousthings.Hecalledmeafool.”
“Imaginethat.”
Jezal frowned. “Yes, well. I’m as bored with fencing as you are with that
book. That was what I wanted to talk to your brother about. I’m thinking of
givingitup.”
She burst out laughing. Snorting, gurgling peals of it. Her whole body was
shaking.Winesloshedoutofherglassandsplatteredacrossthefloor.“What’sso
funny?”hedemanded.
“It’sjust,”shewipedatearfromhereye,“IhadabetwithCollem.Hewas
sureyou’dstickatit.AndnowI’mtenmarksricher.”
“I’mnotsurethatIlikebeingthesubjectofyourbet,”saidJezalsharply.
“I’mnotsureIgiveadamn.”
“Thisisserious.”
“Noitisn’t!”shesnapped.“Formybrotheritwasserious,hehadtodoit!No
oneevennoticesyouifyoudon’thavea‘dan’inyourname,andwho’dknow
betterthanme?You’retheonlypersonwho’sgivenmethetimeofdaysinceI
gothere,andthenonlybecauseCollemmadeyou.I’vepreciouslittlemoneyand
nobloodatall,andthatmakesmelessthannothingtothelikesofyou.Themen
ignoremeandthewomencutmedead. I’ve got nothing here, nothing and no
one,andyou think you’ve gotthehard life? Please! Imighttake up fencing,”
shesaidbitterly.“AsktheLordMarshalifhehasspaceforapupil,wouldyou?
AtleastthenI’dhavesomeonetotalkto!”
Jezal blinked. That wasn’t interesting. That was rude. “Hold on, you’ve no
ideawhatit’sliketo—”
“Oh stop whinging! How old are you? Five? Why don’t you go back to
suckingonyourmotherstit,infant?”
Hecouldhardlybelievewhathewashearing.Howdareshe?“Mymothers
dead,”hesaid.Hah.Thatshouldmakeherfeelguilty,squeezeanapologyoutof
her.Itdidn’t.
“Dead?Luckyher,atleastshedoesn’thavetolistentoyourdamnwhining!
You spoiled little rich boys are all the same. You get everything you could
possibly want, then throw a tantrum because you have to pick it up yourself!
You’repathetic!Youmakemefuckingsick!”
Jezalgoggled.Hisfacewasburning,stinging,asifhe’dbeenslapped.He’d
rather have been slapped. He had never been spoken to like that in his life.
Never! It was worse than Glokta. Much worse, and far more unexpected. He
realisedhismouthwashanginghalfopen.Hesnappeditshut,grindinghisteeth
together, slapped his glass down on the table, and got up to leave. He was
turning to the door when it suddenly opened, leaving him and Major West
staringateachother.
“Jezal,” said West, looking at first simply surprised and then, as he glanced
over at his sister, sprawling on the settle, slightly suspicious. “What are you
doinghere?”
“Er…Icametoseeyouactually.”
“Ohyes?”
“Yes.Butitcanwait.I’vethingstodo.”AndJezalpushedpasthisfriendand
outintothecorridor.
“Whatwasallthatabout?”HeheardWestsayingashestrodeawayfromthe
room.“Areyoudrunk?”
WitheverystepJezal’sfurymounteduntilhewashalfwaytobeingstrangled
byit.Hehadbeenthevictimofanassault!Asavageandundeservedattack!He
stoppedinthecorridor,tremblingwithrage,hisbreathsnortinginhisnoselike
he’druntenmiles,hisfistsclenchedpainfullytight.Andfromawomantoo!A
woman!Anda bloodycommoner!How dareshe?He hadwastedtimeonher,
and laughed at her jokes, and found her attractive! She should have been
honouredtobenoticed!
“Thatfuckingbitch!”hesnarledtohimself.Hehadhalfamindtogobackand
sayittoherface,butitwastoolate.Hestaredaroundforsomethingtohit.How
topayherback?How?Thenitcametohim.
Proveherwrong.
Thatwoulddoit.Proveherwrong,andthatcrippledbastardGloktatoo.He’d
showthemhowhardhecouldwork.He’dshowthemhewasnofool,noliar,no
spoiledchild.Themorehethoughtaboutit,themoreitmadesense.He’dwin
thisdamnContest,iswhathe’ddo!That’dwipethesmilesofftheirfaces!Heset
offbrisklydownthecorridor,withastrangenewfeelingbuildinginhischest.
Asenseofpurpose.Thatwaswhatitwas.Perhapsitwasn’ttoolateforarun.
HowDogsareTrained
Practical Frost stood by the wall, utterly motionless, utterly silent, barely
visibleinthedeepshadows,apartofthebuilding.Thealbinohadn’tmovedan
inchinanhourormore,hadn’tshiftedhisfeet,hadn’tblinked,hadn’tbreathed
thatGloktahadnoticed,hiseyesfixedonthestreetbeforethem.
Glokta himself cursed, shifted uncomfortably, winced, scratched his face,
sucked at his empty gums. What’s keeping them? A few minutes more and I
might fall asleep, drop into that stinking canal and drown. How very apt that
wouldbe. He watched the oily, smelly water below him flap and ripple. Body
found floating by the docks, bloated by seawater and far, far beyond
recognition…
Frost touched his arm in the darkness, pointed down the street with a big
white finger. Three men were moving slowly toward them, walking with the
slightlybow-leggedstanceofmenwhospendalotoftimeaboardship,keeping
theirbalanceonaswayingdeck.Sothat’sonehalfofourlittleparty.Betterlate
thannever.Thethreesailorscamehalfwayacrossthebridgeoverthecanalthen
stopped and waited, no more than twenty strides away. Glokta could hear the
tone of their conversation: brash, confident, common accents. He shuffled
slightlyfurtherintotheshadowsclingingtothebuilding.
Nowfootstepscamefromtheoppositedirection,hurriedfootsteps.Twomore
menappeared,walkingquicklydownthestreet.One,averytall,thinfellowin
anexpensive-lookingfurcoatwasglancingsuspiciouslyaroundhim.Thatmust
beGofredHornlach,seniorMercer.Ourman.Hiscompanionhadaswordathis
hip,andwasstrugglingwithabigwoodentrunkoveroneshoulder.Servant,or
bodyguard,orboth.Heisofnointerest.Gloktafeltthehairsonthebackofhis
neckpricklingastheynearedthebridge.Hornlachexchangedafewquickwords
withoneofthesailors,amanwithabigbrownbeard.
“Ready?”hewhisperedtoFrost.ThePracticalnodded.
“Hold!”shoutedGloktaatthetopofhisvoice,“inthenameofhisMajesty!”
Hornlach’sservantspunround,droppingthetrunkontothebridgewithabang,
handmovingtowardhissword.Therewasasofttwangfromtheshadowsonthe
othersideoftheroad.Theservantlookedsurprised,gaveasnort,thentoppled
ontohisface.PracticalFroststrodeswiftlyoutoftheshadows,feetpaddingon
theroad.
Hornlachstareddown,wide-eyed,atthecorpseofhisbodyguard,thenacross
atthehulkingalbino.Heturnedtothesailors.“Helpme!”hecried.“Stophim!”
Their leader smiled back. “I don’t think so.” His two companions moved
withouthurrytoblock thebridge. TheMercer stumbledaway, tooka faltering
steptowardtheshadowsbythecanalontheotherside.Severardappearedfrom
adoorwaybeforehim,flatbowrestedacrosshisshoulder.Replacethebowwith
abunchofflowersandhe’dlookasifhewasonhiswaytoawedding.You’d
neverthinkthathejustkilledaman.
Surrounded, Hornlach could only look around dumbly, eyes wide with fear
andsurprise,asthetwoPracticalsapproached,Gloktalimpingupbehindthem.
“ButIpaidyou!”Hornlachshouteddesperatelyatthesailors.
“Youpaidmeforaberth,”saidtheirCaptain.“Loyaltyisextra.”
Practical Frost’s big white hand slapped down on the merchant’s shoulder,
forcedhimontohisknees.Severardstrolledovertothebodyguard,wedgedthe
dirtytoeofhisbootunderthebodyandrolleditover.Thecorpsestaredupatthe
nightsky,eyesglassy,thefeathersoftheflatbowboltstickingoutfromhisneck.
Thebloodroundhismouthlookedblackinthemoonlight.
“Dead,”gruntedSeverard,mostunnecessarily.
“A bolt through the neck will do that,” said Glokta. “Clean him up, would
you?”
“Rightyouare.”Severardgrabbedthebodyguard’sfeetandhauledthemover
the parapet of the bridge, then he took him under the armpits and heaved the
bodystraightoverthesidewithagrunt.Sosmooth,soclean,sopractised.You
cantellhe’sdoneitbefore.Therewasasplashasthecorpsehittheslimywater
below.FrosthadHornlach’shandstiedfirmlybehindhimnow,andthebagon.
Theprisonersquawkedthroughthecanvasashewasdraggedtohisfeet.Glokta
himselfshuffledovertothethreesailors,hislegsnumbafterallthattimespent
standingstillinthealley.
“Andhereweare,”hesaid,pullingaheavypursefromhisinsidecoatpocket.
He held it swinging just above the Captain’s waiting palm. “Tell me, what
happenedtonight?”
The old sailor smiled, weathered face crinkling up like boot leather. “My
cargowasspoilingandwehadtobeawayonthefirsttide,Itoldhimthat.We
waited and waited, half the night down by that stinking canal, but would you
believeit?Thebastardnevershowed.”
“Verygood.That’sthestoryI’dtellinWestport,ifanyoneshouldask.”
The Captain looked hurt. “That’s how it happened, Inquisitor. What other
storycouldtherebe?”
Glokta let the purse drop and the money jingled inside. “With the
complimentsofhisMajesty.”
TheCaptainweighedthepurseinhishand.“AlwayspleasedtodohisMajesty
afavour!”Andheandhistwocompanionsturned,allyellowsmiles,andmade
offtowardthequay.
“Rightthen,”saidGlokta,“let’sgetonwithit.”
“Wherearemyclothes?”shoutedHornlach,wrigglinginhischair.
“Idoapologiseforthat.Iknowit’squiteuncomfortable,butclothescanhide
things. Leave a man his clothes and you leave him pride, and dignity, and all
kindsof things it’sbetter nottohave in here.Ineverquestion a prisonerwith
theirclotheson.DoyourememberSalemRews?”
“Who?”
“Salem Rews. One of your people. A Mercer. We caught him dodging the
King’s taxes. He made a confession, named a few people. I wanted to talk to
them,buttheyalldied.”
Themerchantseyesflickeredleftandright.Thinkingabouthisoptions,trying
toguesswhatwemightknow.“Peopledieallthetime.”
Glokta stared at the painted corpse of Juvens behind his prisoner, bleeding
bright red paint all over the wall. People die all the time. “Of course, but not
quitesoviolently.Ihaveanotionthatsomeonewantedthemdead,thatsomeone
orderedthemdead.Ihaveanotionitwasyou.”
“You’vegotnoproof!Noproof!Youwon’tgetawaywiththis!”
“Proof means nothing, Hornlach, but I’ll indulge you. Rews survived. He’s
just down the hall, as it goes, no friends left, blubbering away, naming every
Mercerhecanthinkof,orthatwecanthinkof,forthatmatter.”Narrowedeyes,
butnoreply.“WeusedhimtocatchCarpi.”
“Carpi?”askedthemerchant,tryingtolooknonchalant.
“Surely you remember your assassin? Slightly flabby Styrian? Acne scars?
Swearsalot?Wehavehimtoo.Hetoldusthewholestory.Howyouhiredhim,
howmuchyoupaidhim,whatyouaskedhimtodo.Thewholestory.”Glokta
smiled.“Hehasanexcellentmemory,forakiller,verydetailed.”
Thefearwasshowingnow,justatraceofit,butHornlachralliedwell.“This
is an affront to my Guild!” he shouted, with as much authority as he could
muster,nakedandtiedtoachair.“Mymaster,CosterdanKault,willneverallow
this,andhe’saclosefriendofSuperiorKalyne!”
“Shit on Kalyne, he’s finished. Besides, Kault thinks you’re tucked up safe
aboard that ship, bound for Westport and far beyond our reach. I don’t think
you’ll be missed for several weeks.” The merchant’s face had gone slack. “A
greatdealcouldhappeninthattime…averygreatdeal.”
Hornlach’s tonguedartedover hislips.He glanced furtivelyup at Frostand
Severard,leanedslightlyforward.So. Nowcomesthebargaining.“Inquisitor,”
hesaidinawheedlingtone,“ifI’velearnedonethingfromlife,it’sthatevery
manwantssomething.Everymanhashisprice,yes?Andwehavedeeppockets.
Youhaveonlytonameit.Onlynameit!Whatdoyouwant?”
“WhatdoIwant?”askedGlokta,leaningintoamoreconspiratorialdistance.
“Yes.What’sthisallabout?Whatdoyouwant?”Hornlachwassmilingnow,a
coy,cleverlittlesmile.Howquaint,butyouwon’tbuyyourwayoutofthis.
“Iwantmyteethback.”
Themerchant’ssmilebegantofade.
“Iwantmylegback.”
Hornlachswallowed.
“Iwantmylifeback.”
Theprisonerhadturnedverypale.
“No?ThenperhapsI’llsettleforyourheadonastick.You’venothingelseI
want, no matter how deep your pockets are.” Hornlach was trembling slightly
now.Nomorebluster?Nomoredeals?Thenwecanbegin.Gloktapickedupthe
paperinfrontofhim,andreadthefirstquestion.“Whatisyourname?”
“Look, Inquisitor, I…” Frost smashed the table with his fist and Hornlach
coweredinhischair.
“Answerhisfuckingquestion!”screamedSeverardinhisface.
“GofredHornlach,”squealedthemerchant.
Gloktanodded.“Good.YouareaseniormemberoftheGuildofMercers?”
“Yes,yes!”
“OneofMagisterKault’sdeputies,infact?”
“YouknowIam!”
“HaveyouconspiredwithotherMercerstodefraudhisMajestytheKing?Did
youhireanassassintowilfullymurdertenofhisMajesty’ssubjects?Wereyou
ordered so to do by Magister Coster dan Kault, the head of the Guild of
Mercers?”
“No!”shoutedHornlach,voicesqueakywithpanic.Thatisnottheanswerwe
need. Glokta glanced up at Practical Frost. The big white fist sank into the
merchantsgut,andhegaveagentlesighandslidsideways.
“Mymotherkeepsdogs,youknow,”saidGlokta.
“Dogs,”hissedSeverardinthegaspingmerchant’sear,asheshovedhimback
intothechair.
“Shelovesthem.Trains themto doall mannerof tricks.”Gloktapursedhis
lips.“Doyouknowhowdogsaretrained?”
Hornlachwasstillwinded,lollinginhischairwithwateringeyes,someway
frombeing able to speak.Still at that stage of a fish pulled suddenly from the
water.Mouthopeningandclosing,butnosound.
“Repetition,” said Glokta. “Repeat, repeat, repeat. You must have that dog
performhistricksonehundredtimesthesame,andthenyoumustdoitallagain.
It’sallaboutrepetition.Andifyouwantthatdogtobarkoncue,youmustn’tbe
shywiththewhip.You’regoingtobarkforme,Hornlach,infrontoftheOpen
Council.”
“You’remad,”criedtheMercer,staringaroundatthem,“you’reallmad!”
Gloktaflashedhisemptysmile.“Ifyoulike.Ifithelps.”Heglancedbackat
thepaperinhishand.“Whatisyourname?”
Theprisonerswallowed.“GofredHornlach.”
“YouareaseniormemberoftheGuildofMercers?”
“Yes.”
“OneofMagisterKault’sdeputies,infact?”
“Yes!”
“HaveyouconspiredwithotherMercerstodefraudhisMajestytheKing?Did
youhireanassassintowilfullymurdertenofhisMajesty’ssubjects?Wereyou
ordered so to do by Magister Coster dan Kault, the head of the Guild of
Mercers?”
Hornlach cast desperately around him. Frost stared back, Severard stared
back.
“Well?”demandedGlokta.
Themerchantclosedhiseyes.“Yes,”hewhimpered.
“What’sthat?”
“Yes!”
Gloktasmiled.“Excellent.Nowtellme.Whatisyourname?”
TeaandVengeance
“It’sabeautifulcountry,isn’tit?”askedBayaz,staringupattheruggedfells
oneithersideoftheroad.
Theirhorses’hoovesthumpedslowlyalongthetrack,thesteadysoundatodds
withLogen’sunease.“Isit?”
“Well, it’s a hard country, of course, to those who don’t know its ways. A
tough country, and unforgiving. But there’s something noble there too.” The
First of the Magi swept his arm across the view, breathed in the cold air with
relish. “It has honesty, integrity. The best steel doesn’t always shine the
brightest.” He glanced over, swaying gently in his saddle. “You should know
that.”
“Ican’tsayIseethebeautyofit.”
“No?Whatdoyousee?”
Logenlethiseyeswanderoverthesteep,grassyslopes,spottedwithpatches
of sedge and brown gorse, studded with outcrops of grey rock and stands of
trees.“Iseegoodgroundforabattle.Providedyougotherefirst.”
“Really?Howso?”
Logen pointed at a knobbly hilltop. “Archers on the bluff there couldn’t be
seenfromtheroad,andyoucouldhidemostofyourfootintheserocks.Afew
of the lightest armoured left on the slopes, just to draw the enemy on up the
steepestgroundthere.”
He pointed to the thorny bushes that covered the lower slopes. “You’d let
themcomeonaway,thenwhentheywerestrugglingthroughthatgorse,you’d
givethemthearrows.Shaftsfallingonyoufromabovelikethat,that’snofunat
all.Theycomequickerandfurther,andtheybitedeeper.That’dbreakthemup.
By the time they got to the rocks they’d be dog-tired and running short on
discipline.That would be thetimeto charge.Abunch of Carls,leapingoutof
those stones, charging down from above, fresh and keen and screaming like
devils,thatcouldbreak’emrightthere.”
Logennarrowedhiseyesatthehillside.He’dbeenonbothsidesofasurprise
likethat,andinneithercasewasthememoryapleasantone.“Butiftheyhada
mind to hold, a few horsemen in those trees could finish it up. A few Named
Men,afewhardfighters,bearingdownonyoufromaplaceyouneverexpected
them,that’saterrifyingthing.That’dmakethemrun.Buttiredasthey’dbe,they
wouldn’truntoofast.Thatmeansprisoners,andprisonersmightmeanransoms,
or at least enemies cheaply killed. I see a slaughter, or a victory worth the
singing,dependingwhichsideyou’reon.That’swhatIsee.”
Bayaz smiled, head nodding with the slow movement of his horse. “Was it
Stolicuswhosaidthegroundmustbeageneral’sbestfriend,oritbecomeshis
worstenemy?”
“Ineverheard of him,buthe was right enough.Thisis good groundforan
army,providingyougotherefirst.Gettingtherefirstisthetrick.”
“Indeed.Wedon’thaveanarmy,however.”
“Thesetreescouldhideafewhorsemenevenbetterthanalot.”Logenglanced
sidelong at the wizard. He was slouched happily in the saddle, enjoying a
pleasant ride in the country. “I don’t think Bethod will have appreciated your
advice, and I had scores enough with him already. He got wounded where he
feelsitmost,inhispride.He’llwantvengeance.Wantitbadly.”
“Ah yes, vengeance, that most widespread of Northern pastimes. Its
popularityneverseemstowane.”
Logen stared grimly around at the trees, the rocks, the folds in the valley’s
sides,themanyhidingplaces.“There’llbemenoutinthesehills,lookingforus.
Smallbandsofskilledandbattle-hardenedmen,wellmountedandwellarmed,
familiarwiththeland.NowBethodhasfinishedallhisenemiesthere’snowhere
in the North out of his reach. They might be waiting there,” he pointed off
towards some rocks by the road, “or in those trees, or those.” Malacus Quai,
ridingupaheadwiththepackhorse,glancednervouslyaround.“Theycouldbe
anywhere.”
“Doesthatfrightenyou?”askedBayaz.
“Everythingfrightensme,andit’swellthatitdoes.Fearisagoodfriendtothe
hunted,it’skeptmealivethislong.Thedeadarefearless,andIdon’tcaretojoin
them.He’llsendmentothelibrarytoo.”
“Ohyes,toburnmybooksandsoon.”
“Doesthatfrightenyou?”
“Notmuch.ThestonesbythegatehavethewordofJuvensonthem,andthat
isnottobedenied,evennow.No onewithviolenceinmindcancomenear.I
imagineBethod’smenwillwanderaroundthelakeintherainuntiltheyrunout
of food, all the while thinking how very strange it is that they cannot find so
largeathingasalibrary.No,”saidthewizardhappily,scratchingathisbeard.“I
would concentrate on our own predicament. What happens, do you think, if
we’recaught?”
“Bethod will kill us, and in the most unpleasant manner he can think of.
Unlesshehasitinmindtobemerciful,andletusoffwithawarning.”
“Thatdoesn’tseemlikely.”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing. Our best chance is to make for the
Whiteflow,trytogetacrosstheriverintoAngland,andtrusttoluckwearen’t
seen.” Logen didn’t like trusting to luck, the very word left a sour taste. He
peered up at the cloudy sky. “We could do with some bad weather. A healthy
downpourcouldhideusnicely.”Theskieshadbeenpissingonhimforweeks,
butnowthatheneededraintheyrefusedtoproduceadrop.
MalacusQuaiwaslookingoverhisshoulderatthem,hiseyesbigandround
withworry.“Shouldn’twetrytomovefaster?”
“Perhaps,”saidLogen,pattingtheneckofhishorse,“butthatwouldtirethe
horses,andwemayneedallthespeedwecangetlater.Wecouldhideintheday
andtravelbynight,butthenweriskgettinglost.We’rebetterasweare.Move
slowlyandhopewearen’tseen.”Hefrownedatthehilltop.“Hopewehaven’t
beenseenalready.”
“Hmm,”saidBayaz,“thenthismightbethebesttimetotellyou.Thatwitch
Cauribisn’thalfthefoolIpretendedshewas.”
Logenfeltasinkingsensation.“No?”
“No, for all her paint and gold and chat about the utmost north, she knows
whatsheisabout.Thelongeye,theycallit.Anoldtrick,buteffective.Shehas
beenwatchingus.”
“Sheknowswhereweare?”
“She knows when we left, more than likely, and in what direction we were
heading.”
“Thatdoesnothingforourchances.”
“Ishouldsaynot.”
“Shit.” Logen caught some movement in the trees to their left, and he
snatchedhold of thehiltof his sword.A couple ofbirdstook to theskies.He
waited,heartinhismouth.Nothing.Helethishanddropback.“Weshouldhave
killedthemwhilewehadthechance.Allthreeofthem.”
“Butwedidn’t,andthereitis.”BayazlookedoveratLogen.“Iftheydocatch
us,what’syourplan?”
“Run.Andhopeourhorsesarethefaster.”
“Andthisone?”askedBayaz.
The wind blew keenly through the hollow in spite of the trees, making the
flamesofthecampfireflickeranddance.MalacusQuaihunchedhisshoulders
anddrewhisblankettightaroundthem.HepeeredattheshortstemthatBayaz
washoldinguptohim,foreheadcrinkledwithconcentration.
“Erm…”Thiswasthefifthplant,andthemiserableapprenticehadyettoget
oneofthemright.“Isthat…er…Ilyith?”
“Ilyith?”echoedthewizard,hisfacegivingnoclueastowhetheritwasthe
rightanswer.HewasmercilessasBethodwherehisapprenticewasconcerned.
“Perhaps?”
“Hardly.” The apprentice closed his eyes and sighed for the fifth time that
evening. Logen felt for him, he really did, but there was nothing to be done.
“Ursilum,intheoldtongue,theround-leafedkind.”
“Yes,yes,ofcourse,Ursilum,itwasattheendofmytonguethewholetime.”
“Ifthenamewasattheendofyourtongue,thentheusesoftheplantcannot
befarbehind,eh?”
Theapprenticenarrowedhiseyesandlookedhopefullyuptowardsthenight
sky,asthoughtheanswermightbewritteninthestars.“Isit…forachesinthe
joints?”
“No,itisdecidedlynot.Iamafraidyourachingjointswillstillbetroubling
you.”Bayazturnedthestemslowlyroundinhisfingers.“Ursilumhasnouses,
notthatIknowof.It’sjustaplant.”Andhetosseditawayintothebushes.
“Justaplant,”echoed Quai, shaking his head. Logensighedandrubbedhis
tiredeyes.
“I’msorry,MasterNinefingers,areweboringyou?”
“Whatdoesitmatter?”askedLogen,throwinghishandsupintheair.“Who
caresaboutthenameofaplantwithnouse?”
Bayazsmiled.“Afairpoint.Tellus,Malacus,whatdoesitmatter?”
“If a man seeks to change the world, he should first understand it.” The
apprentice trotted the words out as if by rote, evidently relieved to be asked a
questionheknewtheanswerto.“Thesmithmustlearnthewaysofmetals,the
carpenterthewaysofwood,ortheirworkwillbeofbutlittleworth.Basemagic
iswildanddangerous,foritcomesfromtheOtherSide,andtodrawfromthe
worldbelowisfraughtwith peril. The Magus tempers magic with knowledge,
andthusproducesHighArt,butlikethesmithorthecarpenter,heshouldonly
seektochangethatwhichheunderstands.Witheachthinghelearns,hispower
is increased. So must the Magus strive to learn all, to understand the world
entire.Thetreeisonlyasstrongasitsroot,andknowledgeistherootofpower.”
“Don’ttellme,Juvens’PrinciplesofArt?”
“Theveryfirstlines,”saidBayaz.
“Forgive me for saying so, but I’ve been on this world for more than thirty
years, and I’ve yet to understand a single thing that’s happened. To know the
worldcompletely?Tounderstandeverything?That’squiteatask.”
The Magus chuckled. “An impossible one, to be sure. To truly know and
understandevenabladeofgrassisthestudyofalifetime,andtheworldisever
changing.Thatiswhywetendtospecialise.”
“Sowhatdidyouchoose?”
“Fire,” said Bayaz, gazing happily into the flames, the light dancing on his
bald head. “Fire, and force, and will. But even in my chosen fields, after
countlesslongyearsofstudy,Iremainanovice.Themoreyoulearn,themore
you realise how little you know. Still, the struggle itself is worthwhile.
Knowledgeistherootofpower,afterall.”
“Sowithenoughknowledge,youMagicandoanything?”
Bayazfrowned.“Therearelimits.Andtherearerules.”
“LiketheFirstLaw?”MasterandapprenticeglancedupatLogenasone.“It’s
forbidden to speak with devils, am I right?” It was plain that Quai didn’t
rememberhisfeveredoutburst,hismouthwasopenwithsurprise.Bayaz’eyes
onlynarrowedalittle,withthefaintesttraceofsuspicion.
“Why,yesyouare,”saidtheFirstoftheMagi.“Itisforbiddentotouchthe
OtherSidedirect.TheFirstLawmustapplytoall,withoutexception.Asmust
theSecond.”
“Whichis?”
“Itisforbiddentoeatthefleshofmen.”
Logenraisedaneyebrow.“Youwizardsgetuptosomestrangestuff.”
Bayaz smiled. “Oh, you don’t know the half of it.” He turned to his
apprentice,holdingupalumpybrownroot.“Andnow,MasterQuai,wouldyou
begoodenoughtotellmethenameofthis?”
Logencouldn’thelpgrinningtohimself.Heknewthisone.
“Come,come,MasterQuai,wedon’thaveallnight.”
Logen wasn’t able to stand the apprentice’s misery any longer. He leaned
towardhim,pretendingtopokeatthefirewithastick,coughedtoconcealhis
words and whispered, “Crow’s Foot,” under his breath. Bayaz was a good
distanceaway,andthewindwasstillrustlinginthetrees.Therewasnowaythe
Maguscouldhaveheardhim.
Quai played his part well. He continued to peer at the root, brow knitted in
thought.“IsitCrow’sFoot?”heventured.
Bayazraisedaneyebrow.“Why,yesitis.Welldone,Malacus.Andcanyou
tellmeitsuses?”
Logencoughedagain.“Wounds,”hewhispered,lookingcarelesslyoffintothe
bushes, one hand shielding his mouth. He might not know too much about
plants,butonthesubjectofwoundshehadawealthofexperience.
“Ibelieveit’sgoodforwounds,”saidQuaislowly.
“Excellent,MasterQuai.Crow’sFootiscorrect.Anditisgoodforwounds.I
amgladtoseewearemakingsomeprogressafterall.”Heclearedhisthroat.“It
doesseem curiousthatyou should usethat name however. Theyonlycall this
Crow’s Foot north of the mountains. I certainly never taught you that name. I
wonder who it is you know, from that part of the world?” He glanced over at
Logen. “Have you ever considered a career in the magical arts, Master
Ninefingers?”HenarrowedhiseyesatQuaioncemore.“Imayhavespacefor
anapprentice.”
Malacushunghishead.“Sorry,MasterBayaz.”
“You areindeed.Perhaps youcould cleanthepots forus.That taskmaybe
bettersuitedtoyourtalents.”
Quai reluctantly shrugged off his blanket, collected the dirty bowls and
shuffledoffthroughthebrushtowardsthestream.Bayazbentoverthepotonthe
fire,addingsomedried-upleavestothebubblingwater.Theflickeringlightof
the flames caught the underside of his face, the steam curled around his bald
head.Allinall,helookedquitethepart.
“What is that?” asked Logen, reaching for his pipe. “Some spell? Some
potion?SomegreatworkofHighArt?”
“Tea.”
“Eh?”
“Leavesofacertainplant,boiledupinwater.Itisconsideredquitealuxuryin
Gurkhul.”He poured some ofthebrew out into acup.“Wouldyoulike to try
it?”
Logensniffedatitsuspiciously.“Smellslikefeet.”
“Suit yourself.” Bayaz shook his head and sat back down beside the fire,
wrappingbothhandsaroundthesteamingcup.“Butyou’remissingoutonone
of nature’s greatest gifts to man.” He took a sip and smacked his lips in
satisfaction.“Calmingtothemind,invigoratingtothebody.Therearefewillsa
goodcupofteawon’thelpwith.”
Logenpressedalumpofchaggaintothebowlofhispipe.“Howaboutanaxe
inthehead?”
“That’s one of them,” admitted Bayaz with a grin. “Tell me, Master
Ninefingers,whyallthebloodbetweenyouandBethod?Didyounotfightfor
himmanytimes?Whydoyouhateeachotherso?”
Logen paused as he was sucking smoke from the pipe, let his breath out.
“Therearereasons,”hesaidstiffly.Thewoundsofthattimewerestillraw.He
didn’tlikeanyonepickingatthem.
“Ah,reasons.”Bayazlookeddownathistea-cup.“Andwhatofyourreasons?
Doesthisfeudnotcutbothways?”
“Perhaps.”
“Butyouarewillingtowait?”
“I’llhavetobe.”
“Hmm.Youareverypatient,foraNorthman.”
Logen thought of Bethod, and his loathsome sons, and the many good men
they’d killed for their ambitions. The men he’d killed for their ambitions. He
thoughtoftheShanka,andhisfamily,andtheruinsofthevillagebythesea.He
thoughtofallhisdeadfriends.Hesuckedathisteethandstaredatthefire.
“I’vesettledafewscoresinmytime,butitonlyledtomore.Vengeancecan
feelfine,butit’saluxury.Itdoesn’tfillyourbelly,orkeeptherainoff.Tofight
myenemiesIneedfriendsbehindme,andI’mcleanoutoffriends.Youhaveto
berealistic.It’sbeena whilesince myambitions wentbeyond gettingthrough
eachdayalive.”
Bayaz laughed, his eyes glittering in the firelight. “What?” asked Logen,
handingthepipeacrosstohim.
“Nooffence,butyouareanendlesssourceofsurprises.NotatallwhatIwas
expecting.Youarequitetheriddle.”
“Me?”
“Ohyes!TheBloody-Nine,”hewhispered,openinghiseyesupwide.“That’s
onebastardofareputationyou’recarrying,myfriend.Thestoriestheytell!One
bastard of a name! Why, mothers scare their children with it!” Logen said
nothing.Therewasnodenyingit.Bayazsuckedslowlyonthepipe,thenblew
outalongplumeofsmoke.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthedaythatPrinceCalder
paidusavisit.”
Logensnorted.“Itrynottosparehimtoomuchthought.”
“NorI,butitwasn’thisbehaviourthatinterestedme,itwasyours.”
“Itwas?Idon’trememberdoingathing.”
BayazpointedthestemofthepipeatLogenfromacrossthefire.“Ah,butthat
ismypointexactly.Ihaveknownmanyfightingmen,soldiersandgeneralsand
champions and whatnot. A great fighter must act quickly, decisively, whether
withhisownarmorwithanarmy,forhewhostrikesfirstoftenstrikeslast.So
fighterscometorelyontheirbaserinstincts,toansweralwayswithviolence,to
becomeproudandbrutal.”BayazpassedthepipebacktoLogen.“Butwhatever
thestories,youarenotsuchaone.”
“Iknowplentywho’ddisagree.”
“Perhaps,butthefactremains,Calderslightedyou,andyoudidnothing.So
youknowwhenyoushouldact,andactquickly,butyoualsoknowwhennotto.
Thatshowsrestraint,andacalculatingmind.”
“PerhapsIwasjustafraid.”
“Ofhim?Comenow.You didn’tseem afraid of Scale and he’sa deal more
worrying.Andyouwalkedfortymileswithmyapprenticeoveryourback,and
thatshowscourage,andcompassiontoo.Ararecombination,indeed.Violence
andrestraint,calculationandcompassion—andyouspeaktothespiritstoo.”
Logen raised an eyebrow. “Not often, and only when there’s no one else
around.Theirtalkisdull,andnothalfsoflatteringasyours.”
“Hah.That’strue.Thespiritshavelittletosaytomen,Iunderstand,thoughI
haveneverspokenwiththem;Ihavenotthegift.Fewhavethesedays.”Hetook
another swallow from his cup, peering at Logen over the rim. “I can scarcely
thinkofanotheronealive.”
Malacusstumbledfromthetrees,shivering,andsetthewetbowlsdown.He
grabbedhisblanket,wrappedittightlyaroundhim,thenpeeredhopefullyatthe
steamingpotonthefire.“Isthattea?”
Bayaz ignored him. “Tell me, Master Ninefingers, in all the time since you
arrivedatmylibrary,youhaveneveronceaskedmewhyIsentforyou,orwhy
nowwearewanderingthroughtheNorthinperilofourlives.Thatstrikesmeas
odd.”
“Notreally.Idon’twanttoknow.”
“Don’twantto?”
“All my life I’ve sought to know things. What’s on the other side of the
mountains?Whataremyenemiesthinking?Whatweaponswilltheyuseagainst
me?WhatfriendscanItrust?”Logenshrugged.“Knowledgemaybetherootof
power,buteachnewthingI’velearnedhasleftmeworseoff.”Hesuckedagain
on the pipe, but it was finished. He tapped the ashes out onto the ground.
“WhateveritisyouwantfrommeIwilltrytodo,butIdon’twanttoknowuntil
it’s time. I’m sick of making my own decisions. They’re never the right ones.
Ignoranceisthesweetestmedicine,myfatherusedtosay.Idon’twanttoknow.”
Bayazstaredathim.ItwasthefirsttimeLogenhadseentheFirstoftheMagi
lookatallsurprised.MalacusQuaiclearedhisthroat.“I’dliketoknow,”hesaid
inasmallvoice,lookinghopefullyupathismaster.
“Yes,”murmuredBayaz,“butyoudon’tgettoask.”
Itwasaroundmiddaythatitallwentwrong.Logenwasjuststartingtothink
thattheymightmakeittotheWhiteflow,maybeevenliveouttheweek.Itfeltas
if he lost his concentration for just a moment. Unfortunately, it was the one
momentthatmattered.
Still, it was well done, you had to give them that. They’d chosen their spot
carefully, and tied rags around their horse’s hooves, to muffle the sound.
Threetreesmighthaveseenitcoming,ifhe’dbeenwiththem,buthehadaneye
forthegroundlikenoother.TheDogmanmighthavesmelledthem,ifhe’dbeen
there,buthehadthenoseforit.Thefactwas,neitherofthemwerethere.The
deadarenohelpatall.
Therewerethreehorsemen,waitingforthemastheyroundedablindcorner,
well armed and armoured, dirty faces but clean weapons, veterans each man.
The one on the right was thickset and powerful-looking, with almost no neck.
Theoneontheleftwastallandgauntwithsmall,hardeyes.Bothofthemhad
round helmets, coats of weathered mail, and long spears lowered and ready.
Theirleadersatonhishorselikeabagofturnips,slouchedinthesaddlewiththe
ease of the expert horseman. He nodded to Logen. “Ninefingers! The Brynn!
TheBloody-Nine!It’srightgoodtoseeyouagain.”
“Blacktoe,”mutteredLogen,forcingafriendlysmileontohisface.“It’dwarm
myhearttoseeyoutoo,ifthingsweredifferent.”
“Buttheyareastheyare.”TheoldwarriorseyesmovedslowlyoverBayaz,
Quai, and Logen as he spoke, taking in their weapons, or the lack of them,
workingouthisgame.Astupideropponentcouldhaveeveneduptheodds,but
BlacktoewasaNamedMan,andnofool.HiseyescametorestonLogen’shand
asitcreptslowlyacrosshisbodytowardsthehiltofhissword,andheshookhis
headslowly. “None ofyourtricks, Bloody-Nine.You canseewe’ve got you.”
Andhenoddedoveratthetreesbehindthem.
Logen’s heart sank even lower. Two more riders had appeared and were
trotting forwards to complete the trap, their muffled hooves barely making a
soundonthesoftgroundbytheroad.Logenchewedhislip.Blacktoewasright,
damn him. The four horsemen closed in, lowered spear-points swaying, faces
cold,mindssettothetask.MalacusQuaistaredatthemwithfrightenedeyes,his
horse shying back. Bayaz smiled pleasantly as though they were his oldest
friends. Logen would have liked a touch of the wizard’s composure. His own
heartwashammering,hismouthwassour.
Blacktoenudgedhishorseforward,onehandgrippingtheshaftofhisaxe,the
otherrestingonhisknee,notevenusingthereins.Hewasamasterfulhorseman,
famous for it. That’s what happens when a man loses all his toes to the frost.
Riding is quicker than walking, that has to be admitted, but when it came to
fighting Logen preferred to keep his feet firmly on the ground. “Better be
comingwithusnow,”saidtheoldwarrior,“betterallround.”
Logen could hardly agree, but the odds were stacked high against him. A
swordmayhaveavoice,asBayazhadsaid,butaspearisadamngoodthingfor
pokingamanoffahorse,andtherewerefourofthemclosinginaroundhim.He
wascaught—outnumbered,off-guard,andwiththewrongtoolsforthetask.Yet
again. Best to play for time, and hope some chance might show itself. Logen
clearedhisthroat,doinghisbesttotakethefearoutofhisvoice.“Neverthought
you’dmakeyourpeacewithBethod,Blacktoe,notyou.”
The old warrior scratched at his long, matted beard. “I was one of the last,
truthbetold,butIkneltintheend,sameasalltherest.Can’tsayIlikeditany,
butthereitis.Bestletmehavetheblade,Ninefingers.”
“WhataboutOldManYawl?YoutellingmehebowstoBethod?Ordidyou
justfindamastertosuityoubetter?”
Blacktoedidn’tgetupsetbythejibe,notintheleast.Hejustlookedsad,and
tired.“Yawl’sdead,asthoughyoudidn’tknow.Mostof’emare.Bethoddoesn’t
suitmemuchatallasamaster,andnordohissons.NomanlikeslickingScales
fatarse,orCaldersskinnyone,youshouldknowthat.Nowgiveupthesword,
theday’swastingandwe’vegroundtocover.Wecantalkjustaswellwithyou
unarmed.”
“Yawl’sdead?”
“Aye,” said Blacktoe suspiciously. “He offered Bethod a duel. Didn’t you
hear?TheFeareddoneforhim.”
“Feared?”
“Where’veyoubeen,underamountain?”
“Moreorless.What’sthisFeared?”
“I don’t know what he is.” Blacktoe leaned from his saddle and spat in the
grass.“Iheardhe’snotamanatall.TheysaythatbitchCauribdughimoutfrom
under a hill. Who knows? Leastways, he’s Bethod’s new champion, and far
nastiereventhanthelast,nooffence.”
“Noneatall,”saidLogen.Themanwithnoneckhadmovedinclose.Alittle
toocloseperhaps,thepointofhisspearwashoveringonlyafootortwoaway.
CloseenoughforLogentograbaholdof.Maybe.“OldManYawlwasastrong
hand.”
“Aye. That’s why we followed him. But it done him no good. This Feared
brokehim.Brokehimbad,likehewasnomore’nadog.Lefthimalive,ifyou
could call it that, so we could learn from his mistake, but he didn’t live long.
Mostofuskneltrightthen,thosewithwivesandsonstothinkon.Nosensein
puttingitoff.There’safewofthemstill,upinthemountains,whowon’tbowto
Bethod. That moon-worshipping madman Crummock-i-Phail and his hillmen,
andafewbeside.Butnotmany.Andthosethereare,Bethod’s got plans for.”
Blacktoeheldoutabig,callousedhand.“Betterletmehavetheblade,Bloody-
Nine.Lefthandonly,ifyouplease,slowasslowandnoneofyourtricks.Better
allround.”
Sothatwasit.Outoftime.Logenwrappedthethreefingersofhislefthand
roundthehiltofhissword,thecoldmetalpressingintohispalm.Thebigman’s
spearpointedgedalittlecloser.Thetallonehadrelaxedalittle,confidentthey
hadhim.Hisspearwaspointingupintotheair,unready.Therewasnotelling
what the two behind were doing. The desire to glance over his shoulder was
almostirresistible,butLogenforcedhimselftolookahead.
“Ialwayshadrespectforyou,Ninefingers,eventhoughwestoodondifferent
sides.I’venofeudwithyou.ButBethodwantsvengeance,he’sdrunkonit,and
Isworetoserve.”Blacktoelookedhimsadlyintheeye.“I’msorryit’sme.For
whatit’sworth.”
“Likewise,”mutteredLogen, “I’m sorry it’syou.” He slid the sword slowly
fromthescabbard.“Forwhatit’sworth,”andhesnappedhisarmout,smashing
thesword’spommel intoBlacktoe’s mouth.Theold warriorgavea squawk as
thedullmetalcrunchedintohisteethandtumbledbackwardsoutofthesaddle,
hisaxeflyingfromhishandandclatteringintotheroad.Logengrabbedholdof
theshaftofthebigman’sspear,justbelowtheblade.
“Go!”hebellowedatQuai,buttheapprenticeonlystaredback,blinking.The
man with no neck pulled hard at the spear, nearly jerking Logen out of the
saddle,buthekepthisgrip.Herearedupinthestirrups,raisingtheswordhigh
abovehishead.Necklesstookonehandfromhisspear,hiseyesgoingwide,and
heldituponaninstinct.Logenswungthesworddownwithallhisstrength.
He was shocked by the sharpness of it. It took the big man’s arm off just
belowtheelbowthenstruckintohisshoulder,cleavingthroughthefurandthe
mail beneath and splitting him to his stomach, near in half. Blood showered
acrosstheroad,spatteringinthefaceofLogen’shorse.Itwastrainedforriding
butnotforwaranditrearedandspanaround,kickingandplunginginapanic.It
wasthebestLogencoulddotostayontopofthedamnthing.Outofthecorner
ofhiseyehesawBayazsmackQuai’shorseontherump,anditspedoffwith
theapprenticebouncinginthesaddle,thepackhorsegallopingalongbehind.
Then everything was a mess of plunging and snorting beasts, clashing and
scrapingmetal,cursesandcries.Battle.Afamiliarplace,butnolessterrifying
for that. Logen clung to the reins with his right hand as his horse bucked and
thrashed,swingingtheswordwildlyroundhishead,moretoscarehisenemies
thanhurtthem.Everymomentheexpectedthejoltandsearingpainashewas
stuckthroughwithaspear,thenthegroundtorushupandsmackhimintheface.
HesawQuaiandBayazgallopingawaydowntheroad,hotlypursuedbythe
tallman,hisspearcouchedunderhisarm.HesawBlacktoerollingtohisfeet,
spittingblood, scrambling for his axe.Hesawthe two men who’d comefrom
behindfightingforcontroloftheirowntwistinghorses,spearswavingintheir
hands.Hesawthebodyoftheonehe’djustkilledlollinhalfandtoppleslowly
outofthesaddle,bloodpouringoutoverthemuddyground.
Logensquawkedashefeltaspear-pointdigintothebackofhisshoulder,and
hewasshoved forward,almostover hishorse’shead.Thenhe realisedhewas
facingdowntheroad,andstillalive.Hedughisheelsintotheflanksofhishorse
anditspedaway,sendingmudflyingfromitshoovesandintothefacesofthe
menbehind.Hefumbledtheswordacrossintohisrighthand,nearlydropping
the reins and falling into the road. He shrugged his shoulder but the wound
didn’tfeeltoobad—hecouldstillmovethearmalright.
“I’m still alive. Still alive.” The road flashed by beneath him, the wind
stinging his eyes. He was making ground on the tall man—the rags on his
horse’s hooves were slowing him down now, slipping on the muddy ground.
Logen gripped the hilt of the sword as hard as he could, raised it behind him.
Theheadofhisenemysnappedround,buttoolate.Therewasahollowbonkof
metalonmetalasswordsmashedintohelmet,leavingadeepdentandsending
thetallmansprawling.Hisheadbouncedonceagainsttheroad,footstillcaught
inonestirrup,thenhecamefreeandtumbledoverandoveronthegrass,arms
andlegs flopping.Hisriderless horsegallopedon, eyes rollingat Logenashe
passed.
“Stillalive.”Logenlookedoverhisshoulder.Blacktoewasbackinthesaddle
and galloping after him, axe raised above his head, tangled hair flying out
behind.Thetwootherspearmenwerewithhim,urgingtheirhorsesforwards,but
therewasstillsomedistancebetweenthem.Logenlaughed.Perhapshe’dmake
itafter all. Hewavedhis sword atBlacktoeas the roadentereda wood inthe
valley’sbottom.
“I’mstillalive!”hescreamedatthetopofhisvoice,andthenhishorsepulled
up so suddenly that Logen was almost flung over its head. It was only by
throwingonearmrounditsneckthathekepthisseatatall.Assoonashefell
backintothesaddlehesawtheproblem,anditwasabadone.
Severaltree trunks hadbeenhauled across theroad,their branches chopped
off and the stumps filed down to vicious points, sticking out in all directions.
Two more mailed Carls stood in front, spears at the ready. Even the best of
horsemen couldn’t have jumped that barrier, and Logen wasn’t the best of
horsemen.Bayazandhisapprenticehadreachedthesamedecision.Bothsatstill
ontheirhorsesbeforethebarricade,theoldmanlookingpuzzled,theyoungone
simplyscared.
Logenfingeredthegripofhisswordandcastdesperatelyaround,peeringinto
thetreesforsomewayout.Hesawmoremennow.Archers.One,thentwo,then
threeofthem,creepingslowlyforwardonbothsidesoftheroad,arrowsnocked
andstringsdrawnback.
Logenturnedroundinthesaddle,butBlacktoeandhistwocompanionswere
trottingup,therewasnoescapethatway.Theyreinedinafewstridesaway,well
out of reach of Logen’s sword. His shoulders slumped. The chase was done.
Blacktoe leaned over and spat some blood onto the ground. “Alright, Bloody-
Nine,that’sasfarasyougo.”
“Funny thing,” muttered Logen, looking down at the long grey blade of the
sword,dashedandspatteredwithred.“AllthattimeIfoughtforBethodagainst
you,andnowyoufightforhimagainstme.Seemswe’reneveronthesameside,
andhe’stheonlywinner.Funnything.”
“Aye,”mumbledBlacktoethroughhisbloodylips,“funny.”Butnoonewas
laughing. Blacktoe and his Carls had faces hard as death, Quai looked on the
verge of tears. Only Bayaz, for reasons beyond understanding, still had his
customarygoodhumour.“Alright,Ninefingers,getoffthehorse.Bethodwants
youalive,buthe’lltakeyoudead,ifhehasto.Down!Now!”
Logen’sthoughtsbegantoturntohowtheymightescape,oncehe’dgivenup.
Blacktoewasn’tliketomakeamistakeoncehehadthem.Logenwouldlikelybe
kickedhalftodeathforthefighthe’dgiventhemalready,iftheydidn’ttakehis
kneecaps off. They’d be trussed up tight like chickens for the slaughter. He
picturedhimselfflungdownonthestoneswithhalfamileofchainaroundhim,
Bethod smiling down from his throne, Calder and Scale laughing, probably
pokingathimwithsomethingsharp.
Logenlookedaround.Helookedat thecoldarrowheadsandthecold spear-
points,andthecoldeyesofthemenpointingthem.Therewasnowayoutofthis
littlespot.
“Alright, you win.” Logen threw his sword down, point first. He had it in
mindthatitwouldbiteintothesoilandstandthere,swayingbackandforth,but
ittoppledoverandclatteredagainstthedirt.Itwasthatsortofday.Heslowly
swungonelegoverthesaddleandsliddownintotheroad.
“That’sbetter.Nowtherestofyou.”Quaiinstantlyslitheredoffhishorseand
stood there, glancing nervously up at Bayaz, but the Magus made no move.
Blacktoefrownedandheftedhisaxe.“Youtoo,oldman.”
“Iprefertoride.”Logenwinced.Thatwasnottherightanswer.Anymoment
nowBlacktoewouldgivetheorder.ThebowstringswouldsingandtheFirstof
theMagiwoulddropintotheroad,stuckfullofarrows,probablystillwiththat
infuriatingsmileonhisdeadface.
But the order never came. There was no word of command, no strange
incantation, no arcane gestures. The air around Bayaz’ shoulders seemed to
shimmer, like the air above the land on a hot day, and Logen felt a strange
tuggingathisguts.
Thenthetreesexplodedinawallofsearing,blinding,whitehotflame.Trunks
burst and branches snapped with deafening cracks, venting plumes of brilliant
fire and scalding steam. One burning arrow shot high up into the air over
Logen’shead,andthenthearchersweregone,boiledawayintothefurnace.
Logenchokedandgasped,reeledbackinshockandterror,armuptowardhis
facefrom theblisteringheat. Thebarricadewas sendingupgreat goutsoffire
andblindingsparks,thetwomenwhohadbeenstandingnearwererollingand
thrashing,wreathedinhungryflames,theirscreamslostinthedeafeningroar.
Thehorsesplungedandreeled,snortingwithmadfear.Blacktoewasflungto
thegroundfor thesecondtime,hisflamingaxeflyingfromhishands,andhis
horsestumbledandfell,crashingdownontop ofhim. Oneof hiscompanions
was even less lucky—thrown straight into the sheets of fire by the road, his
despairing cry quickly cut off. Only one stayed upright, and he was lucky
enoughtobewearinggloves.Bysomemiraclehekeptholdoftheburningshaft
ofhisspear.
Howhehadthepresenceofmindtochargewiththeworldonfirearoundhim,
Logenwouldneverknow.Strangethingscanhappeninafight.HechoseQuai
ashistarget,bearingdownonhimwithasnarl,theflamingspearaimedathis
chest. The witless apprentice stood there helpless, rooted to the spot. Logen
barrelledintohim,snatchinguphissword,sendingQuairollingacrosstheroad
withhishandsoverhishead,thenhechoppedmindlesslyatthehorse’slegsasit
flashedpasthim.
The blade was torn from his fingers and went skittering away, then a hoof
slammedintoLogen’sinjuredshoulderandclubbedhimintothedirt.Thebreath
wasknockedfromhimandtheburningworldspancrazilyaround.Hisblowhad
its effect though. A few strides further down the road the horses hacked front
legsgavewayanditstumbled,carriedhelplesslyforward,tumbledandpitched
intotheflames,horseandridervanishingtogether.
Logencastaboutonthegroundforthesword.Sizzlingleaveswhippedacross
theroad,stinginghisfaceandhishands.Theheatwasagreatweightpressing
downonhim,pullingthesweatoutofhisskin.Hefoundthebloodygripofthe
sword,seizedhold of it with histornfingers.He lurched up, staggeredround,
shouting meaningless sounds of fury, but there was no one left to fight. The
flames were gone, as suddenly as they’d arrived, leaving Logen coughing and
blinkinginthecurlingsmoke.
Thesilenceseemedcompleteaftertheroaringnoise,thegentlebreezefelticy
cold. A wide circle of the trees around them had been reduced to charred and
shattered stumps, as though they had burned for hours. The barricade was a
saggingheapofgreyashandblacksplinters.Twocorpseslaysprawlednearby,
barelyrecognisableasmen,burneddowntothebones.Theblackenedbladesof
theirspearslayintheroad,theshaftsvanished.Ofthearcherstherewasnosign
atall.Theyweresootblownawayonthewind.Quailaymotionlessonhisface
withhishandsoverhishead,andbeyondhimBlacktoe’shorselaysprawledout
onitsside,onelegsilentlytwitching,theothersstill.
“Well,” said Bayaz, the muffled noise making Logen jump. He’d somehow
expectedtherewouldneverbeanothersoundagain.“That’sthat.”TheFirstof
the Magi swung a leg over his saddle and slid down into the road. His horse
stood there, calm and obedient. It hadn’t moved the whole time. “There now,
MasterQuai,doyou seewhat canbe achievedwith aproper understandingof
plants?”
Bayaz sounded calm, but his hands were trembling. Trembling badly. He
lookedhaggard,ill,old,likeamanwho’ddraggedacarttenmiles.Logenstared
athim,swayingsilentlybackandforth,thesworddanglingfromhishand.
“Sothat’sArt,isit?”Hisvoicesoundedverysmallandfaraway.
Bayaz wiped the sweat from his face. “Of a sort. Hardly very subtle. Still,”
andhepokedatoneofthecharredbodieswithhisboot,“subtletyiswastedon
theNorthmen.”Hegrimaced,rubbedathissunkeneyesandpeereduptheroad.
“Wherethehelldidthosehorsesgetto?”
LogenheardaraggedgroanfromthedirectionofBlacktoe’sfallenmount.He
stumbledtowardsit,trippedandfelltohisknees,stumbledtowardsitagain.His
shoulderwasaballofpain,hisleftarmnumb,hisfingersrippedandbleeding,
but Blacktoe was in worse shape. Much worse. He was propped up on his
elbows,legscrushedunderhishorserighttothehips,handsburnedtoswollen
tatters. He had a look of profound puzzlement on his bloody face as he tried,
unsuccessfully,todraghimselffromunderthehorse.
“You’ve fucking killed me,” he whispered, staring open-mouthed at the
wreckage of his hands. “I’m all done. I’ll never make it back, and even if I
could,whatfor?”Hegaveadespairinglaugh.“Bethodain’thalfsomercifulas
heusedtobe.Betteryoukillmenow,beforeitstartstohurt.Betterallround.”
Andheslumpedbackandlayintheroad.
Logen looked up at Bayaz, but there was no help there. “I’m not much at
healing,”snappedthewizard,glancingroundatthecircleofblastedstumps.“I
toldyouwetendtospecialise.”Heclosedhiseyesandbentover,handsresting
onhisknees,breathinghard.
LogenthoughtofthefloorinBethod’shall,andthetwoprinces,laughingand
poking.“Alright,”hemuttered,standingupandheftingthesword.“Alright.”
Blacktoesmiled.“You were right, Ninefingers. Inevershouldhavekneltto
Bethod.Never.ShitonhimandhisFeared.Itwouldhavebeenbettertodieupin
themountains,fightinghimtothelast.Theremighthavebeensomethingfinein
that.Ijusthadenough.Youcanseethat,can’tyou?”
“Icanseethat,”mutteredLogen.“I’vehadenoughmyself.”
“Somethingfine,”saidBlacktoe,staringfarupintothegreyskies,“Ijusthad
enough.SoIreckonIearnedthis.Fairisfair.”Heliftedhischin.“Wellthen.Get
itdone,lad.”
Logenraisedthesword.
“I’m glad it’s you, Ninefingers,” hissed Blacktoe through gritted teeth, “for
whatit’sworth.”
“I’mnot.”Logenswungthebladedown.
Thescorchedstumpswerestillsmouldering,smokecurlingupintotheair,but
all was cold now. Logen’s mouth tasted salty, like blood. Perhaps he bit his
tongue somewhere. Perhaps it was someone else’s. He threw the sword down
and it bounced and clattered, shedding red specks across the dirt. Quai gaped
aroundforamoment,thenhefoldedupandcoughedpukeintotheroad.Logen
stareddownatBlacktoe’sheadlesscorpse. “Thatwas agoodman.Betterthan
me.”
“Historyislitteredwithdeadgoodmen.”Bayazkneltstifflyandpickedupthe
sword,wipedthebladeonBlacktoe’scoat,thenhesquinteduptheroad,peering
through the haze of smoke. “We should be moving. Others might be on their
way.”
Logenlookedathisbloodyhands,slowlyturningthemoverandover.They
werehishands,nodoubt.Therewasthemissingfinger.“Nothing’schanged,”he
mumbledtohimself.
Bayazstraightenedup,brushingthedirtfromhisknees.“Whenhasitever?”
He held out the sword out to Logen, hilt first. “I think you’ll still be needing
this.”
Logenstaredatthebladeforamoment.Itwasclean,dullgrey,justasithad
alwaysbeen.Unlikehim,itshowednotsomuchasascratchfromtheharduseit
hadseenthatday.Hedidn’twantitback.Notever.
Buthetookitanyway.
PARTII
“Life—thewayitreallyis—isabattlenotbetweengoodandbad,butbetween
badandworse.”
JosephBrodsky
WhatFreedomLooksLike
Thepointoftheshovelbitintothegroundwiththesharpscrapeofmetalon
earth.Analltoofamiliarsound.Itdidn’tbiteinfar,foralltheeffortputbehind
it,asthesoilwasrockyhardandbakedbythesun.
Butshewasn’ttobedeterredbyalittlehardsoil.
Shehaddugtoomanyholes,andingroundworsefordiggingthanthis.
When the fighting is over, you dig, if you’re still alive. You dig graves for
yourdeadcomrades.Alastmarkofrespect,howeverlittleyoumighthavehad
forthem.Youdigasdeepasyoucanbebothered,youdumpthemin,youcover
themup,theyrotawayandareforgotten.That’sthewayit’salwaysbeen.
Sheflickedhershoulderandasentashovelfulofsandysoilflying.Hereyes
followedthegrainsofdirtandlittlestonesastheybrokeapartintheair,thenfell
acrossthefaceofoneofthesoldiers.Oneeyestaredatherreproachfully.The
other had one of her arrows snapped off in it. A couple of flies were buzzing
lazilyaroundhisface.Therewouldbenoburialforhim,thegraveswereforher
people.Heandhisbastardfriendscouldlieoutinthemercilesssun.
Afterall,thevultureshavetoeat.
The blade of the shovel swished through the air and bit again into the soil.
Anotherclumpofdirttumbledaway.Shestraightenedupandwipedthesweat
fromherface.Shesquintedupatthesky.Thesunwasblazing,straightabove,
sucking whatever moisture remained out of the dusty landscape, drying the
bloodontherocks.Shelookedatthetwogravesbesideher.Onemoretogo.She
would finish this one, throw the earth on top of those three fools, rest for a
moment,thenaway.
Otherswouldbecomingforhersoonenough.
Shestucktheshovelintotheearth,tookholdofthewaterskinandpulledthe
stopperout.Shetookafewlukewarmswallows,evenallowedherselftheluxury
of pouring a trickle out into her grimy hand and splashing it on her face. The
early deaths of her comrades had at least put a stop to the endless squabbling
overwater.
Therewouldbeplentytogoroundnow.
“Water…”gaspedthesoldierbytherocks.Itwassurprising,buthewasstill
alive.Herarrowhadmissedhisheartbutithadkilledhimstill—justalittleless
quickly than she had intended. He had managed to drag himself as far as the
rocks,but his crawlingdays were over. Thestonesaround himwerecoated in
darkblood.Theheatandthatarrowwoulddoforhimsoon,howevertoughhe
was.
Shewasn’tthirsty, buttherewas watertospare andshewouldn’tbeableto
carryitall.Shetookafewmoreswallows,lettingitsloshoutofhermouthand
downherneck.AraretreatouthereintheBadlands,toletwaterfall.Shining
dropsspatteredontothedryearth,turningitdark.Shesplashedsomemoreon
herface,lickedherlips,andlookedoveratthesoldier.
“Mercy…” he croaked, one hand clasped to his chest where the arrow was
stickingoutofit,theotherstretchedweaklytowardsher.
“Mercy?Hah!”Shepushedthestopperbackintotheskin,thentosseditdown
nexttothegrave.“Don’tyouknowwhoIam?”Shegrabbedholdofthehandle
oftheshovel,thepointofitsbladebitoncemoreintotheearth.
“FerroMaljinn!”cameavoicefromsomewherebehindher,“Iknowwhoyou
are!”
Amostunwelcomedevelopment.
Sheswungtheshovelagain,mindracing.Herbowwaslyingjustoutofreach
on the ground by the first grave she had dug. She threw some dirt away, her
sweating shoulders prickling at the unseen presence. She glanced over at the
dyingsoldier.Hewasstaringatapointbehindher,andthatgaveheragoodidea
wherethisnewarrivalwasstanding.
Shedugthepointoftheshovelinagain,thenletgoandsprangforwardoutof
thehole,rollingacrossthedirt,snatchingupherbowasshemoved,notchingan
arrow,drawingbackthestringinonesmoothmotion.Anoldmanwasstanding
about ten strides away. He was making no move forward, was holding no
weapon.Hewasjuststanding,lookingatherwithabenignsmile.
Sheletthearrowfly.
NowFerrowasaboutasdeadlywithabowasit’spossibletobe.Thetendead
soldiers could have testified to that, if they’d been able. Six of them had her
arrows sticking out of them, and in that fight she hadn’t missed once. She
couldn’t remember missing at close range, however quickly the shot had been
taken,andshe’dkilledmententimesfurtherawaythanthissmilingoldbastard
wasnow.
Butthistimeshemissed.
Thearrowseemedtocurveintheair.Abadfeathermaybe,butitstilldidn’t
seemquiteright.Theoldman didn’tflinch,noteven a hair.Hesimplystood,
smiling,exactly wherehe’dalways stood,andthe arrowmissedhim byafew
inchesanddisappearedoffdownthehillside.
Andthatgaveeveryonetimetoconsiderthesituation.
Hewasastrangeone,thisoldman.Verydark-skinned,blackascoal,which
meanthewasfromthefarsouth,acrossthewideandshelterlessdesert.That’sa
journeynotlightly taken, and Ferrohadrarelyseen such people. Tallandthin
with long, sinewy arms and a simple robe wrapped round him. There were
strangebanglesroundhiswrists,stackedupsotheycoveredhalfhisforearms,
glitteringdarkandlightinthesavagesun.
Hishairwasamassofgreyropesabouthisface,somehangingdownaslow
ashiswaist,andtherewasagreystubbleonhislean,pointedjaw.Hehadabig
waterskinwrappedaroundhischest,andabunchofleatherbagshangingfroma
beltaroundhiswaist.Nothingelse.Noweapon.Thatwasthestrangestthingof
all,foramanouthereintheBadlands.Noonecametothisgod-forsakenplace
exceptthosewhowererunning,andthosesenttohuntthem.Ineithercase,they
shouldbewellarmed.
HewasnosoldierofGurkhul,hewasnoscumcomelookingforthemoney
onherhead.Hewasnobandit,noescapedslave.Whatwashethen?Andwhy
washehere?Hemusthavecomeforher.Hecouldbeoneofthem.
AnEater.
WhoelsewouldwandertheBadlandswithoutaweapon?Shehadn’trealised
theywantedherthatbadly.
Hestoodtheremotionless,theoldman,smilingather.Shereachedslowlyfor
anotherarrow,andhiseyesfollowedherwithoutanyworry.
“Thatreallyisn’tnecessary,”hesaid,inaslow,deepvoice.
Shenockedthearrowtoherbow.Theoldmandidn’tmove.Sheshruggedher
shoulders and took her time aiming. The old man smiled on, not a care in the
world.Sheletthearrowfly.Itmissedhimbyafewinchesagain,thistimeonthe
otherside,andshotoffdownthehillside.
Oncewasapossibility,shehadtoadmitthat,buttwicewaswrong.IfFerro
knewonething,andonethingonly,sheknewhowtokill.Theoldfoolshould
have been stuck through and bleeding out his last into the stony soil. Now,
simply by standing still and smiling, he seemed to be saying, “You know less
thanyouthink.Iknowmore.”
Thatwasverygalling.
“Whoareyou,youoldbastard?”
“TheycallmeYulwei.”
“Oldbastardwilldoforyou!”Shetossedherbowdownontheground,lether
armsdroptohersidessothatherrighthandwashiddenfromhimbyherbody.
Shetwistedherwristandthecurvedknifedroppedoutofhersleeveandintoher
waitingpalm.Therearemanywaystokillaman,andifonewayfailsyoumust
tryanother.
Ferrohadneverbeenonetogiveupatthefirststumble.
Yulweibegantomoveslowlytowardsher,hisbarefeetpaddingontherocks,
banglesjinglingsoftlytogether.Thatwasverystrange,nowshethoughtaboutit.
Ifhemadeanoiseeverytimehemoved,howhadhemanagedtosneakupon
her?
“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Iwanttohelpyou.”Hecameforward,untilhewasjustoveranarm’slength
away,thenhestoppedandstood,grinningather.
NowFerrowasfastasasnakewithaknifeandtwiceasdeadly,asthelastof
those soldiers could have testified, had he been able. The blade was a shining
blurintheair,swungwithallherstrengthandallherfurybehindit.Ifhehad
beenstandingwhereshethoughthewas,hisheadwouldhavebeenhangingoff.
Onlyhewasn’t.Hewasstandingaboutastridetotheleft.
Shethrewherselfathimwithafightingscream,rammingtheglitteringpoint
oftheknifeintohisheart.Butshestabbedonlyair.Hewasbackwherehehad
been before, motionless and smiling all the while. Very strange. She padded
roundhim,cautious,sandaledfeetscuffinginthedust,lefthandcirclinginthe
airinfrontofher,righthandgrippedtightroundthehandleoftheknife.Shehad
tobecareful—therewasmagichere.
“Thereisnoneedtogetangry.Iamheretohelp.”
“Fuckyourhelp,”shehissedbackathim.
“But you need it, and badly. They are coming for you, Ferro. There are
soldiersinthehills,manysoldiers.”
“I’lloutrunthem.”
“Therearetoomany.Youcannotoutrunthemall.”
She glanced round at the punctured bodies. “Then I’ll give them to the
vultures.”
“Notthistime.Theyarenotalone.Theyhavehelp.”Ontheword“help”his
deepvoicedroppedevenlower.
Ferrofrowned.“Priests?”
“Yes,andmorebesides.”Hiseyeswentverywide.“AnEater,”hewhispered.
“Theymeantotakeyoualive.TheEmperorwantstomakeanexampleofyou.
Hehasitinmindtoputyouondisplay.”
Shesnorted.“FucktheEmperor.”
“Iheardyoualreadydid.”
Shegrowledandraisedthe knife again, but it was not a knife.Therewasa
hissingsnakeinherhand,adeadlysnake,withitsmouthopentobite.“Ugh!”
Shethrewitontheground,stampedherfootdownonitshead,butshestamped
onherknifeinstead.Thebladesnappedwithasharpcrack.
“Theywillcatchyou,”saidtheoldman.“Theywillcatchyou,andtheywill
break your legs with hammers in the city square, so you can never run again.
ThentheywillparadeyouthroughthestreetsofShaffa,naked,sittingbackwards
onanass,withyourhairshavedoff,whilethepeoplelinethestreetsandshout
insultsatyou.”
Shefrownedathim,butYulweididnotstop.“Theywillstarveyoutodeathin
a cage before the palace, cooking in the hot sun, while the good people of
Gurkhul taunt you and spit on you and throw dung at you through the bars.
Perhapstheywillgiveyoupisstodrink,ifyouarelucky.Whenyoufinallydie
theywillletyourot,andtheflieswilleatyoubitbybit,andalltheotherslaves
willseewhatfreedomlookslike,anddecidetheyarebetteroffastheyare.”
Ferrowasboredwiththis.Letthemcome,andtheEatertoo.Shewouldn’tdie
inacage.Shewouldcutherownthroat,ifitcametothat.Sheturnedherback
onhimwithascowlandsnatcheduptheshovel,starteddiggingawayfuriously
atthelastgrave.Soonitwasdeepenough.
Deepenoughforthescumwho’dberottinginit.
She turned around. Yulwei was kneeling down by the dying soldier, giving
himwaterfromtheskinroundhischest.
“Fuck!”sheshouted,stridingover,herfingerslockedaroundthehandleofthe
shovel.
Theoldmangottohisfeetasshecameclose.“Mercy…”croakedthesoldier,
stretchingouthishand.
“I’llgiveyoumercy!”Theedgeoftheshovelbitdeepintothesoldiersskull.
Thebodytwitchedbrieflythenwasstill.Sheturnedtotheoldmanwithalook
oftriumph.Hestaredbacksadly.Therewassomethinginhiseyes.Pity,maybe.
“Whatdoyouwant,FerroMaljinn?”
“What?”
“Whydidyoudothat?”Yulweipointeddownatthedeadman.“Whatdoyou
want?”
“Vengeance.”Shespatouttheword.
“On all of them? On the whole nation of Gurkhul? Every man, woman and
child?”
“Allofthem!”
Theoldmanlookedroundthecorpses.“Thenyoumustbeveryhappywith
today’swork.”
She forced a smile onto her face. “Yes.” But she wasn’t very happy. She
couldn’t remember what it felt like. The smile seemed strange, unfamiliar, all
lop-sided.
“And is vengeance all you think of, every minute of every day, your only
desire?”
“Yes.”
“Hurtingthem?Killingthem?Endingthem?”
“Yes!”
“Youwantnothingforyourself?”
Shepaused.“What?”
“Foryourself.Whatdoyouwant?”
Shestaredattheoldmansuspiciously,butnoreplycametoher.Yulweishook
hisheadsadly.“Itseemstome,FerroMaljinn,thatyouareasmuchaslaveas
youeverwere.Orevercouldbe.”Hesatdown,cross-leggedonarock.
Shestaredathimforamoment,confused.Thentheangerbubbledupagain,
hotandreassuring.“Ifyoucametohelpme,youcanhelpmeburythem!”She
pointedoveratthethreebloodycorpses,linedupnexttothegraves.
“Ohno.Thatisyourwork.”
Sheturnedawayfromtheoldman,cursingunderherbreath,andmovedover
to her one-time companions. She took Shebed’s corpse under the arms and
hauledhimovertothefirstgrave,hisheelsmakingtwolittlegroovesinthedust.
Whenshemadeittotheholesherolledhimin.Alugaiwasnext.Astreamofdry
soilranoverhimashecametorestinthebottomofhisgrave.
SheturnedtoNasarscarcass.Hehadbeenkilledbyaswordcutacrossthe
face.Ferrothoughtitwassomethingofanimprovementtohislooks.
“Thatonelooksagoodsort,”saidYulwei.
“Nasar.” She laughed without amusement. “A raper, a thief, a coward.” She
hawkedupsomephlegmandspatintohisdeadface.Itsplatteredsoftlyagainst
his forehead. “Much the worst of the three.” She looked down at the graves.
“Buttheywereallofthemshit.”
“Nicecompanyyoukeep.”
“Thehunteddon’thavetheluxuryofchoosingtheircompanions.”Shestared
atNasarsbloodyface.“Youtakewhat’soffered.”
“Ifyoudislikedthemsomuch,whydon’tyouleavethemforthevultures,like
youhavethese others?” Yulwei swepthisarmover the broken soldiers onthe
ground.
“Youburyyourown.”ShekickedNasarintothehole.Herolledforward,arms
flopping, and dropped into the grave face down. “That’s the way it’s always
been.”
She grabbed hold of the shovel and started to heap the stony earth onto his
back.Sheworkedinsilence,thesweatbuildinguponherface,thendrippingoff
ontotheground.Yulweiwatchedherastheholesfilledup.Threemorepilesof
dirtinthewasteland.Shethrewtheshovelawayanditbouncedoffoneofthe
corpses and clattered among the stones. A small cloud of black flies buzzed
angrilyoffthebody,thenreturned.
Ferropickedup her bow and arrowsandslungthem over her shoulder.She
tookthewaterskin,checkeditsweightcarefully,thenshoulderedthatalso.Then
she picked over the bodies of the soldiers. One of them, he looked like the
leader,hadafinecurvedsword.Hehadn’tevenmanagedtodrawitbeforeher
arrowhadcaughthiminthethroat.Ferrodrewitnow,andshetesteditwitha
coupleofsweepsthroughtheair.Itwasverygood:wellbalanced,thelongblade
glitteringdeadlysharp,brightmetalonthehiltcatchingthesun.Hehadaknife
aswellthatmatchedit.Shetooktheweaponsandstuckthemthroughherbelt.
Shepickedovertheotherbodies,buttherewasn’tmuchtotake.Shecuther
arrowsfromthecorpseswhereshecould.Shefoundsomecoinsandtossedthem
away.Theywouldonlyweighherdown,andwhatwouldshebuyouthereinthe
Badlands?Dirt?
Thatwasalltherewas,anditwasfree.
They had a few scraps of food with them, but not enough even for another
day.Thatmeanttheremustbeothers,probablylotsofthem,andnotfaraway.
Yulweiwastellingthetruth,butitmadenodifferencetoher.
Sheturnedandstartedtowalksouthward,downoffthehillandtowardsthe
greatdesert,leavingtheoldmanbehind.
“That’sthewrongway,”hesaid.
Shestopped,squintingathiminthebrightsun.“Aren’tthesoldierscoming?”
Yulwei’seyessparkled.“Therearemanywaysofstayingunnoticed,evenout
hereintheBadlands.”
She looked to the north, out over the featureless plain below. Out towards
Gurkhul.Therewasn’tahill,oratree,orscarcelyabushformiles.Nowhereto
hide.“Unnoticed,evenbyanEater?”
Theoldmanlaughed.“Especiallybythosearrogantswine.They’renothalfas
cleverastheythinktheyare.HowdoyouthinkIgothere?Icamethroughthem,
betweenthem,aroundthem.IgowhereIplease,andItake whoIpleasewith
me.”
She shaded her eyes with her hand, and squinted southward. The desert
stretchedawayintothefardistance,andbeyond.Ferrocouldsurvivehereinthe
wilderness, just about, but out there in that crucible of changing sands and
mercilessheat?
The old man seemed to read her thoughts. “There are always the endless
sands.Ihavecrossedthembefore.Itcanbedone.Butnotbyyou.”
Hewasright,damnhim.Ferrowasleanandtoughasabowstring,butthatjust
meantshewouldwalkincirclesalittlelongerbeforepitchingonherface.The
desertwaspreferabletothecagebeforethepalaceasaplacetodie,butnotby
much.Shewantedtostayalive.
Therewerestillthingstodo.
Theoldmansatthere,cross-legged,smiling.Whatwashe?Ferrotrustedno
one,butifhemeanttodeliverhertotheEmperor,hecouldhaveknockedheron
theheadwhileshewasdigging,insteadofannouncinghisarrival.Hehadmagic,
shehadseenthatforherself,andsomechancewasbetterthannone.
Butwhatwouldhewantinreturn?TheworldhadnevergivenFerroanything
forfree,andshedidn’texpectittobeginnow.Shenarrowedhereyes.“Whatdo
youwantfromme,Yulwei?”
Theoldmanlaughed.Thatlaughwasbecomingveryannoying.“Letusjust
saythatIwillhavedoneyouafavour.Lateron,youcandomeoneinreturn.”
Thatanswerwashorriblythinonthedetails,butwhenyourlife’sonthetable
youhavetotakewhateversoffered.Shehatedtoplaceherselfinthepowerof
another,butitseemedshehadnochoice.
Notifshewantedtoliveouttheweek,thatis.
“Whatdowedo?”
“We mustwait fornightfall.” Yulweiglanced atthe twistedbodies scattered
abouttheground,andwrinkledhisnose.“Butperhapsnothere.”
Ferroshruggedandsatherselfdownonthemiddlegrave.“Herewilldo,”she
said,“I’veamindtowatchthevultureseat.”
Overheadtheclearnightskywasscatteredwithbrightstars,andtheairhad
turned cool, cold even. Down on the dark and dusty plain below, fires were
burning,acurvedlineoffiresthatseemedtohemtheminagainsttheedgeofthe
desert. She, Yulwei, the ten corpses and the three graves were trapped on the
hillside.Tomorrow,asthefirstlightcreptoverthearidland,thesoldierswould
leave those fires and creep carefully towards the hills. If Ferro was still there
when they arrived, she would be killed for sure, or worse still captured. She
couldnotfightthatmanyonherown,evensupposingtherewasnoEaterwith
them.
Shehatedtoadmitit,butherlifewasinYulweishandsnow.
Hesquintedupatthestarrysky.“Itistime,”hesaid.
They scrambled down the rocky hillside in the darkness, picking their way
carefullyamongthebouldersandtheodd,scrubby,half-deadbush.Northward,
towardsGurkhul.Yulweimovedsurprisinglyfastandshewasforcedtohalf-run
tokeepup,eyesfixedon the ground to find her footing among the dryrocks.
Whentheyfinallyreachedthebaseofthehillandshelookedup,shesawthat
Yulwei was leading her toward the left hand edge of the line, where the fires
weremostnumerous.
“Wait,” she whispered, grabbing his shoulder. She pointed over to the right
handside.Therewerefewerfiresthere,anditwouldbeeasiertoslipbetween
them.“Whataboutthatway?”
ShecouldjustseeYulwei’steethsmilingwhiteinthestarlight.“Ohno,Ferro
Maljinn.Thatiswheremostofthesoldiersare…andourotherfriend.”Hewas
makingnoattempttokeephisvoicedown,anditwasmakingherjumpy.“That
iswheretheyexpectyoutocomethrough,ifyouchoosetogonorth.Buttheydo
notexpectyou.Theythinkyouwillgosouthintothedeserttodie,ratherthan
riskbeingcaptured,asindeedyouwouldhavedone,hadInotbeenhere.”
Yulwei turned and moved off and she crept after him, keeping low to the
ground.Astheydrewnearertothefiresshesawthattheoldmanhadbeenright.
Therewerefiguressittingaroundsomeofthem,buttheywerethinlyspread.The
old man strode confidently toward four fires on the far left, only one of them
manned.Hemadenoeffortto staylow,hisbanglesjingledsoftlytogether,his
barefeetflappedloudonthedryearth.Theywerealmostcloseenoughtoseethe
features of the three men round the fire. Yulwei would surely be seen at any
moment.Shehissedathimtograbhisattention,surethatshewouldbeheard.
Yulwei turned round, looking puzzled in the faint light from the flames.
“What?” he said. She winced, waiting for the soldiers to leap up, but they
chatteredonregardless.Yulweilookedoveratthem.“Theywillnotseeus,nor
hearuseither,unlessyoustartshoutingintheirears.Wearesafe.”Heturnedand
walked on, giving the soldiers a wide berth. Ferro followed, still keeping low
andquiet,ifonlyoutofhabit.
As Ferro came closer she began to make out the words of the soldiers
conversation.Sheslowed,listening.Sheturned.Shestartedtomovetowardsthe
fire.Yulweilookedround.“Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.
Ferro looked at the three of them. A big, tough-looking veteran, a thin,
weasellytype,andanhonest-seemingyoungman,whodidn’tlookmuchlikea
soldier. Theirweapons werelying around,sheathed,wrappedup,unready. She
circledthemwarily,listening.
“They say she’s not right in the head,” the thin one was whispering at the
youngone,tryingtoscarehim,“theysayshe’skilledahundredmen,ormore.If
you’reagoodlookingfella,shecutsyourfruitsoffwhileyou’restillalive,”he
grabbedholdofhiscrotch,“andeatstheminfrontofyou!”
“Ah,stopyourmouth,”saidthebigone,“shewon’tbecomingnearus.”He
pointed over to where the fires were sparser, his voice dropping to a whisper.
“She’llbegoingtohim,ifshecomesthiswayatall.”
“Well,Ihopeshedoesn’t,”saidtheyoungone,“liveandletlive,sayI.”
Thethinmanfrowned.“Andwhataboutallthegoodmenshe’skilled?And
women and children too? Shouldn’t they have been let live?” Ferro’s teeth
groundtogether.She’dneverkilledchildren,thatshecouldthinkof.
“Well, it’s a shame for them, of course. I’m not saying she shouldn’t be
caught.”Theyoungsoldierglancedaroundnervously.“Justmaybenotbyus.”
Thebigmanletgoalaughatthat,butthethinonedidn’tlookamused.“Youa
coward?”
“No!”saidtheyoungman,angrily,“butIgotawifeandafamilydepending
on me, and I could do without being killed out here, that’s all.” He grinned.
“We’reexpectinganotherchild.Hopingforasonthistime.”
Thebigmannodded.“Myson’snearlygrownnow.Theygetoldsoquick.”
Talkofchildren,andfamilies,andhopesonlymadethefuryinFerro’schest
squeezeharder.Whyshouldtheybeallowedalife,whenshehadnothing?When
themandtheirkindhadtakeneverythingfromher?Sheslidthecurvedknifeout
ofitssheath.
“Whatareyoudoing,Ferro?”hissedYulwei.
Theyoungmanlookedround.“Didyouhearsomething?”
The big one laughed. “I think I heard you shit yourself.” The thin one
chuckled to himself, the young man smiled, embarrassed. Ferro crept rightup
behindhim.Shewasjustafootortwoaway,brightlylitbythefire,butnoneof
thesoldiersevenglancedather.Sheraisedtheknife.
“Ferro!” shouted Yulwei. The young man sprang to his feet, he peered out
across the dark plain, squinting, brow furrowed. He looked Ferro right in the
face,buthiseyeswerefocusedfarbehindher.Shecouldsmellhisbreath.The
bladeoftheknifeglitteredaninchorlessfromhisstubblythroat.
Now.Nowwasthetime.Shecouldkillhimquickly,andtaketheothertwoas
well before the alarm was raised. She knew she could do it. They were
unprepared,andshewasready.Nowwasthetime.
Butherhanddidn’tmove.
“What’sgotupyourarse?”askedthebigsoldier.“There’snothingoutthere.”
“Could’veswornIheardsomething,”saidtheyoungman,stilllookingright
inherface.
“Wait!”shoutedthethinone,jumpingtohisfeetandpointing.“Theresheis!
Rightinfrontofyou!”Ferrofrozeforaninstant,staringathim,thenheandthe
bigmanstartedtolaugh.Theyoungsoldierlookedsheepish,turnedaroundand
satdown.
“IthoughtIheardsomething,that’sall.”
“There’s no one out there,” said the big man. Ferro began to back slowly
away.Shefeltsick,hermouthfullofsourspit,herheadthumping.Shepushed
the knife back into its sheath, turned and stumbled off with Yulwei following
silentlybehind.
When the light of the fires and the sound of the talking had faded into the
distanceshestoppedanddroppeddownonthehardground.Acoldwindblew
up across the barren plain. It blew stinging dust in her face, but she hardly
noticed.Thehateandthefuryweregone,forthetimebeing,buttheyhadlefta
hole,andshe hadnothingelse tofillitwith.Shefeltemptyandcoldandsick
and alone. She hugged herself, rocking slowly back and forth, and closed her
eyes.Butthedarknessheldnocomfort.
Thenshefelttheoldman’shandpressontohershoulder.
Nownormallyshewouldhavetwistedaway,thrownhimoff,killedhimifshe
could.Butthestrengthwasallgone.Shelookedup,blinking.“There’snothing
leftofme.WhatamI?”Shepressedonehandonherchest,butshebarelyfeltit.
“Ihavenothinginside.”
“Well. It’s strange that you should say that.” Yulwei smiled up at the starry
sky. “I was just starting to think there might be something in there worth
saving.”
TheKing’sJustice
As soon as he reached the Square of Marshals, Jezal realised there was
somethingwrong.ItwasneverhalfthisbusyforameetingoftheOpenCouncil.
Heglancedovertheknotsoffinelydressedpeopleashehurriedby,slightlylate
andoutofbreathfromhislongtrainingsession:voiceswerehushed,facestense
andexpectant.
He shouldered his way through the crowd to the Lord’s Round, glancing
suspiciouslyupattheguardsflankingtheinlaiddoors.Theyatleastseemedthe
same as ever, their heavy visors giving nothing away. He crossed the ante-
chamber, vivid tapestries flapping slightly in the draught, slipped through the
inner doors and passed into the vast, cool space beyond. His footsteps made
tappingechoesinthegildeddomeashehurrieddowntheaisletowardsthehigh
table. Jalenhorm was standing beneath one of the tall windows, face splashed
withcolouredlightfromthestainedglass,frowningatabenchwithametalrail
alongitsbasewhichhadbeenplacedtoonesideofthefloor.
“What’sgoingon?”
“Haven’t you heard?” Jalenhorm’s voice was whispery with excitement.
“Hoffsletitbeknownthere’llbesomegreatmattertodiscuss.”
“Whatisit?Angland?TheNorthmen?”
Thebigmanshookhishead.“Don’tknow,butwe’llsoonsee.”
Jezalfrowned.“Idon’tlikesurprises.”Hiseyecametorestonthemysterious
bench.“What’sthatfor?”
Atthatmomentthegreatdoorswereswungopenandastreamofcouncillors
begantoflooddowntheaisle.Theusualmixture,Jezalsupposed,ifalittlemore
purposeful. The younger sons, the paid representatives… he caught his breath.
Therewasatallmanatthe front, richly dressed even in this august company,
withaweightygoldenchainacrosshisshouldersandaweightyfrownacrosshis
face.
“LordBrockhimself,”whisperedJezal.
“Andthere’sLordIsher.”Jalenhormnoddedatasedateoldmanjustbehind
Brock,“andHeugen,andBarezin.It’ssomethingbig.Ithastobe.”
Jezal took a deep breath as four of the Union’s most powerful noblemen
arrangedthemselvesonthefrontrow.HehadneverseentheOpenCouncilhalf
sowellattended.Onthecouncillors’half-circleofbenchestherewasbarelyan
empty seat. High above them, the public gallery was an unbroken ring of
nervousfaces.
Now Hoff blustered through the doors and down the aisle, and he was not
alone. On his right a tall man flowed along, slender and proud-looking with a
long,spotlesswhitecoatandashockofwhitehair.ArchLectorSult.Onhisleft
walkedanotherman,leaningheavilyonastick,slightlybentinarobeofblack
and gold with a long grey beard. High Justice Marovia. Jezal could hardly
believehiseyes.ThreemembersoftheClosedCouncil,here.
Jalenhorm hurried to take his place as the clerks deposited their burdens of
ledgers and papers on the polished tabletop. The Lord Chamberlain threw
himself down in their midst and immediately called for wine. The head of his
Majesty’sInquisitionsweptintoahighchairononesideofhim,smilingfaintly
tohimself.HighJusticeMarovialoweredhimselfslowlyintoanother,frowning
allthewhile.Thevolumeoftheanxiouswhisperinginthehallroseastep,the
faces of the great magnates on the front row were grim and suspicious. The
Announcer took his place before the table, not the usual brightly dressed
imbecile,but a dark, beardedmanwitha barrel chest.Heliftedhis staffhigh,
thenbeatitagainstthetiles,fittowakethedead.
“IcallthismeetingoftheOpenCounciloftheUniontoorder!”hebellowed.
Thehubbubgraduallydiedaway.
“There is but one matter for discussion this morning,” said the Lord
Chamberlain, peering sternly at the house from beneath his heavy brows, “a
matter of the King’s Justice.” There were scattered mutterings. “A matter
concerning the royal licence for trade in the city of Westport.” The noise
increased: angry whispers, uncomfortable shufflings of noble arses on their
benches, the familiar scratching of quills on the great ledgers. Jezal saw Lord
Brock’s brows draw together, the corners of Lord Heugen’s mouth turn down.
Theydidnotseemtolikethe taste of this. The Lord Chamberlain sniffedand
took a swig of wine, waiting for the muttering to die away. “I am not best
qualifiedtospeakonthismatter,however—”
“Noindeed!”snappedLordIshersharply,shiftinginhisseatonthefrontrow
withascowl.
Hofffixedtheoldmanwithhiseye.“SoIcallonamanwhois!Mycolleague
fromtheClosedCouncil,ArchLectorSult.”
“TheOpenCouncilrecognisesArchLectorSult!”thunderedtheAnnouncer,
astheheadoftheInquisitionmadehisgracefulwaydownthestepsofthedais
andontothetiledfloor,smilingpleasantlyattheangryfacesturnedtowardshim.
“MyLords,”hebegan,inaslow,musicalvoice,usheringhiswordsoutinto
spacewithsmoothmovementsofhishands,“forthepastsevenyears,eversince
ourgloriousvictoryinthewarwithGurkhul,anexclusiveroyallicencefortrade
in the city of Westport has been in the hands of the honourable Guild of
Mercers.”
“Andafinejobthey’vedoneofit!”shoutedLordHeugen.
“They won us that war!” growled Barezin, pounding the bench beside him
withameatyfist.
“Afinejob!”
“Fine!”camethecries.
The Arch Lector nodded as he waited for the noise to fade. “Indeed they
have,”hesaid, pacing across the tileslikea dancer, his words scratchingtheir
wayacrossthepagesofthebooks.“Iwouldbethelasttodenyit.Afinejob.”
Hespunsuddenlyaround,thetailsofhiswhitecoatsnapping,hisfacetwisted
intoabrutalsnarl.“AfinejobofdodgingtheKingstaxes!”hescreamed.There
wasacollectivegasp.
“AfinejobofslightingtheKing’slaw!”Anothergasp,louder.“Afinejobof
hightreason!”Therewasastormofprotest,offistsshakenintheairandpapers
throwntothefloor.Lividfacesstareddownfromthepublicgallery,floridones
rantedandbellowedfromthebenchesbeforethehightable.Jezalstaredabout
him,unsureifhecouldhaveheardcorrectly.
“How dare you, Sult!” Lord Brock roared at the Arch Lector as he swished
backupthestepsofthedais,afaintsmileclingingtohislips.
“Wedemandproof!”bellowedLordHeugen.“Wedemandjustice!”
“TheKing’sJustice!”camecriesfromtheback.
“Youmustsupplyuswithproof!”shoutedIsher,asthenoisebegantofade.
The Arch Lector twitched out his white gown, the fine material billowing
aroundhimasheswunghimselfsmoothlybackintohischair.“Ohbutthatisour
intention,LordIsher!”
The heavy bolt of a small side door was flung back with an echoing bang.
TherewasarustlingasLordsandproxiestwistedround,stoodup,squintedover
to see what was happening. People in the public gallery peered out over the
parapet, leaning dangerously far in their eagerness to see. The hall fell quiet.
Jezal swallowed. There was a scraping, tapping, clinking sound beyond the
doorway,thenastrangeandsinisterprocessionemergedfromthedarkness.
Sand dan Glokta came first, limping as always and leaning heavily on his
cane,butwithhisheadheldhighandatwisted,toothlessgrinonhishollowface.
Threemenshuffledbehindhim,chainedtogetherbytheirhandsandbarefeet,
clinkingandrattlingtheirwaytowardsthehightable.Theirheadswereshaved
bare and they were dressed in brown sackcloth. The clothing of the penitent.
Confessedtraitors.
Thefirstoftheprisonerswaslickinghislips,eyesdartinghereandthere,pale
withterror.Thesecond,shorterandthicker-set,wasstumbling,dragginghisleft
legbehindhim,hunchedoverwithhismouthhangingopen.AsJezalwatched,a
thinlineofpinkdrooldangledfromhislipandspatteredonthetiles.Thethird
man, painfully thin and with huge dark rings round his eyes, stared slowly
around, blinking, eyes wide but apparently taking nothing in. Jezal recognised
themanbehindthethreeprisonersstraightaway:thebigalbinofromthatnight
inthestreet.Jezalrockedhisweightfromonefoottotheother,feelingsuddenly
coldanduncomfortable.
Thepurposeofthebenchwasnowmadeclear.Thethreeprisonersslumped
down on it, the albino knelt and snapped their manacles shut around the rail
along its base. The chamber was entirely silent. Every eye was fixed on the
crippledInquisitor,andhisthreeprisoners.
“Our investigation began some months ago,” said Arch Lector Sult,
immensely smug at having the assembly so completely under his control. A
simplematterofsomeirregularaccounting,Iwon’tboreyouwiththedetails.”
He smiled at Brock, at Isher, at Barezin. “I know you all are very busy men.
Whocouldhavethoughtthen,thatsuchalittlematterwouldleadushere?Who
wouldsupposethattherootsoftreasoncouldrunsoverydeep?”
“Indeed,”saidtheLordChamberlainimpatiently,lookingupfromhisgoblet.
“InquisitorGlokta,thefloorisyours.”
TheAnnouncerstruckhisstaffonthetiles.“TheOpenCounciloftheUnion
recognisesSanddanGlokta,InquisitorExempt!”
The cripple waited politely for the scratching of the clerk’s quills to finish,
leaning on his cane in the centre of the floor, seemingly unmoved by the
importanceoftheoccasion.“RiseandfacetheOpenCouncil,”hesaid,turning
tothefirstofhisprisoners.
Theterrifiedmansprangup,hischainsrattling,lickinghispalelips,goggling
atthefacesoftheLordsinthefrontrow.“Yourname?”demandedGlokta.
“SalemRews.”
Jezalfeltacatchinhisthroat.SalemRews?Heknewtheman!Hisfatherhad
haddealings withhiminthepast, atonetimehehad beenaregular visitorto
their estate! Jezal studied the terrified, shaven-headed traitor with increasing
horror.Hecasthismindbacktotheplump,well-dressedmerchant,alwaysready
withajoke.Itwashim,nodoubt.TheireyesmetforaninstantandJezallooked
anxiously away. His father had talked with that man in their hallway! Had
shakenhandswithhim!Accusationsoftreasonarelikeillnesses—youcancatch
themjust by being inthesameroom! His eyes weredrawninevitably back to
thatunfamiliar,yethorriblyfamiliarface.Howdarehebeatraitor,thebastard?
“YouareamemberofthehonourableGuildofMercers?”continuedGlokta,
puttingasneeringaccentintotheword“honourable”.
“Iwas,”mumbledRews.
“What was your role within the Guild?” The shaven-headed Mercer stared
desperately about him. “Your role?” demanded Glokta, his voice taking on a
hardedge.
“IconspiredtodefraudtheKing!”criedthemerchant,wringinghishands.A
wave of shock ran round the hall. Jezal swallowed sour spit. He saw Sult
smirkingacrossatHighJusticeMarovia.Theold man’s facewas stonyblank,
buthisfistswereclenchedtightonthetablebeforehim.“Icommittedtreason!
Formoney!Ismuggled,andIbribed,andIlied…wewereallatit!”
“All at it!” Glokta leered round at the assembly. “And if any of you should
doubtit,wehaveledgers,andwehavedocuments,andwehavenumbers.There
isaroomintheHouseofQuestionsstuffedwiththem.Aroomfullofsecrets,
andguilt,andlies.”Heslowlyshookhishead.“Sorryreading,Icantellyou.”
“Ihadtodoit!”screamedRews.“Theymademe!Ihadnochoice!”
ThecrippledInquisitorfrowned at his audience. “Of course they made you.
Werealiseyouwerebutasinglebrickinthishouseofinfamy.Anattemptwas
madeonyourliferecently,wasitnot?”
“Theytriedtokillme!”
“Whotried?”
“Itwasthisman!”wailedRews,voicecracking,pointingatremblingfingerat
the prisoner next to him, pulling away as far as the chains that linked them
wouldallow.“Itwashim!Him!”Themanaclesrattledashewavedhisarm,spit
flying from his mouth. There was another surge of angry voices, louder this
time. Jezal watched the head of the middle prisoner sag and he slumped
sideways,butthehulkingalbinograbbedhimandhauledhimbackupright.
“Wakeup,MasterCarpi!”shoutedGlokta.Thelollingheadcameslowlyup.
An unfamiliar face, strangely swollen and badly pocked withacne-scars. Jezal
noticedwithdisgustthathisfourfrontteethweremissing.JustlikeGlokta’s.
“YouarefromTalins,yes,inStyria?”Themannoddedslowly,stupidly,like
someonehalfasleep.“Youarepaidtokillpeople,yes?”Henoddedagain.And
you were hired to murder ten of his Majesty’s subjects, among them this
confessed traitor, Salem Rews?” A trickle of blood ran slowly out from the
man’snoseandhiseyesstartedtorollbackinhishead.Thealbinoshookhimby
theshoulderandhecameround,noddinggroggily.“Whatbecameoftheother
nine?”Silence.“Youkilledthem,didyounot?”Anothernod,astrangeclicking
soundcomingfromtheprisonersthroat.
Glokta frowned slowly around the rapt faces of the Council. “Villem dan
Robb,customsofficial,throatcuteartoear.”Heslidafingeracrosshisneckand
awoman inthe gallerysquealed. “SolimoScandi,Mercer,stabbedintheback
four times.” He thrust up four fingers, then pressed them to his stomach as
though sickened. “The bloody list goes on. All murdered, for nothing but a
biggerprofit.Whohiredyou?”
“Him,”croakedthekiller,turninghisswollenfacetolookatthegauntman
with the glassy eyes, slumped on the bench next to him, heedless of his
surroundings.Gloktalimpedover,canetappingonthetiles.
“Whatisyourname?”
Theprisonersheadsnappedup,hiseyesfocusingonthetwistedfaceofthe
Inquisitorabovehim.“GofredHornlach!”heansweredinstantly,voiceshrill.
“YouareaseniormemberoftheGuildofMercers?”
“Yes!”hebarked,blinkingmindlesslyupatGlokta.
“OneofMagisterKault’sdeputies,infact?”
“Yes!”
“HaveyouconspiredwithotherMercerstodefraudhisMajestytheKing?Did
youhireanassassintomurdertenofhisMajesty’ssubjects?”
“Yes!Yes!”
“Why?”
“We wereworried theywould tellwhat theyknew… tellwhat theyknew…
tell…”Hornlach’semptyeyesstaredofftowardsoneofthecolouredwindows.
Hismouthslowlystoppedmoving.
“Tellwhattheyknew?”promptedtheInquisitor.
“AboutthetreasonousactivitiesoftheGuild!”theMercerblurted,“aboutour
treasons!Abouttheactivitiesoftheguild…treasonous…activities…”
Gloktacutinsharply.“Wereyouactingalone?”
“No!No!”
The Inquisitor rapped his cane down before him and leaned forward. “Who
gavetheorders?”hehissed.
“Magister Kault!” shouted Hornlach instantly, “he gave the orders!” The
audiencegasped.ArchLectorSultsmirkedalittlewider.“ItwastheMagister!”
The quills scratched mercilessly. “It was Kault! He gave the orders! All the
orders!MagisterKault!”
“Thankyou,MasterHornlach.”
“TheMagister!Hegavetheorders!MagisterKault!Kault!Kault!”
“Enough!”snarledGlokta.Hisprisonerfellsilent.Theroomwasstill.
Arch Lector Sult lifted his arm and pointed towards the three prisoners.
“Thereisyourproof,myLords!”
“Thisisasham!”bellowedLordBrock,leapingtohisfeet.“Thisisaninsult!”
Fewvoicesjoinedhiminsupporthowever,andthosethatdidwerehalf-hearted.
LordHeugenwasnotableforhiscarefulsilence,keenlystudyingthefineleather
ofhisshoes.Barezinhadshrunkbackintohisseat,lookinghalfthesizehehad
beenaminutebefore.LordIsherwasstaringoffatthewall,fingeringhisheavy,
goldenchain,lookingbored,asthoughthefateoftheGuildofMercerswasof
interesttohimnolonger.
BrockappealedtotheHighJusticehimself,motionlessinhistallchairatthe
high table. “Lord Marovia, I beg of you! You are a reasonable man! Do not
allowthis…travesty!”
Thehallfellsilent,waitingfortheoldman’sreply.Hefrownedandstroked
his long beard. He glanced across at the grinning Arch Lector. He cleared his
throat.“Ifeelyourpain,LordBrock,indeedIdo,butitseemsthatthisisnota
dayforreasonablemen.TheClosedCouncilhasexaminedthecaseandiswell
satisfied.Myhandsaretied.”
Brock worked his mouth, tasting defeat. “This is not justice!” he shouted,
turningroundtoaddresshispeers.“Thesemenhaveplainlybeentortured!”
ArchLectorSult’smouthtwistedwithscorn.“Howwouldyouhaveusdeal
with traitors and criminals?” he cried in a piercing voice. “Would you raise a
shield,LordBrock,forthedisloyaltohidebehind?”Hethumpedthetable,asif
it too might be guilty of high treason. “I for one will not see our great nation
handedovertoitsenemies!Neitherenemieswithout,norenemieswithin!”
“DownwiththeMercers!”cameacryfromthepublicbalcony.
“Hardjusticefortraitors!”
“TheKing’sJustice!”bellowedafatmanneartheback.Therewasasurgeof
anger and agreement from the floor, and calls for harsh measures and stiff
penalties.
Brock looked round for his allies on the front row, but found none. He
bunchedhisfists.“Thisisnojustice!”heshouted,pointingatthethreeprisoners.
“Thisisnoproof!”
“His Majesty disagrees!” bellowed Hoff, “and does not require your
permission!” He held up a large document. “The Guild of Mercers is hereby
dissolved! Their licence revoked by Royal decree! His Majesty’s Commission
forTradeandCommercewill,overthecomingmonths,reviewapplicationsfor
traderightswiththecityofWestport.Untilsuchtimeassuitablecandidatesare
found, the routes will be managed by capable, loyal, hands. The hands of His
Majesty’sInquisition.”
ArchLectorSulthumblyinclinedhishead,oblivioustothefuriouscriesfrom
representativesandpublicgalleryalike.
“Inquisitor Glokta!” continued the Lord Chamberlain, “the Open Council
thanksyouforyourdiligence,andasksthatyouperformonemoreserviceinthis
matter.” Hoff held out a smaller paper. “This is a warrant for the arrest of
MagisterKault,bearingtheKing’sownsignature.Wewouldaskthatyouserve
it forthwith.” Glokta bowed stiffly and took the paper from the Lord
Chamberlain’s outstretched hand. “You,” said Hoff, turning his eye on
Jalenhorm.
“Lieutenant Jalenhorm, my Lord!” shouted the big man, stepping smartly
forward.
“Whatever,” snapped Hoff impatiently, “take twenty of the King’s Own and
escort Inquisitor Glokta to the Mercers’ Guildhall. Ensure that nothing and no
oneleavesthebuildingwithouthisorders!”
“Atonce,myLord!”Jalenhormcrossedthefloorandranuptheaisletoward
theexit,holdingthehiltofhisswordinonehandtostopitknockingagainsthis
leg.Gloktalimpedafterhim,canetappingonthesteps,thewarrantforthearrest
of Magister Kault crumpled in his tightly clenched fist. The monstrous albino
hadpulledtheprisonerstotheirfeetmeanwhile,andwasleadingthem,rattling
andlolling,offtowardsthedoorbywhichtheyhadentered.
“LordChamberlain!”shoutedBrock,withonelasteffort.Jezalwonderedhow
much money he must have made from the Mercers. How much he had hoped
stilltomake.Averygreatdeal,evidently.
ButHoffwasunmoved.“Thatconcludesourbusinessfortoday,myLords!”
Marovia was on his feet before the Lord Chamberlain had finished speaking,
evidentlykeentobeaway.Thegreatledgerswerethumpedshut.Thefateofthe
honourable Guild of Mercers was sealed. Excited babbling filled the air once
more,graduallyrisinginvolumeandsoonjoinedbyclatteringandstampingas
therepresentativesbegantoriseandleavetheroom.ArchLectorSultremained
seated, watching his beaten adversaries file reluctantly off the front row. Jezal
metthedesperateeyesofSalemRewsonelasttimeashewasledtowardsthe
small door, then Practical Frost jerked at the chain and he was lost in the
darknessbeyond.
Outside, the square was even busier than before, the dense throng growing
evermoreexcitedasthenewsofthedissolutionoftheGuildofMercersspread
tothosewhohadnotbeenwithin.Peoplestood,disbelieving,orhurriedhereand
there:scared,surprised,confused.Jezalsawonemanstaringathim,staringat
anyone,facepale,handstrembling.AMercerperhaps,oramanintoodeepwith
theMercers,deepenoughtoberuinedalongwiththem.Therewouldbemany
suchmen.
Jezal felt a sudden tingling. Ardee West was leaning casually against the
stonesalittlefurtheron.Theyhadnotmetinsometime,notsincethatdrunken
outburstofhers,andhewassurprisedhowpleasedhewastoseeher.Probably
she had been punished long enough, he told himself. Everyone deserved the
chance to apologise. He hastened towards her with a broad smile on his lips.
Thenhenoticedwhoshewaswith.
“Thatlittlebastard!”hemutteredunderhisbreath.
Lieutenant Brint was chatting freely in his cheap uniform, leaning closer to
Ardee than Jezal thought was appropriate, underlining his tedious points with
flamboyantgesturesofhisarms.Shewasnodding,smiling,thenshetippedher
head back and laughed, slapping the Lieutenant playfully on the chest. Brint
laughed as well, the ugly little shit. They laughed together. For some reason
Jezalfeltasharppangoffury.
“Jezal,howareyou!”shoutedBrint,stillgiggling.
Hesteppedupclose.“That’sCaptainLuthar!”hespat,“andhowIamisnone
ofyourconcern!Don’tyouhaveajobtodo?”
Brint’smouthhungstupidlyopenforamoment,thenhisbrowsdrewintoa
surlyfrown.“Yes,sir,”hemuttered,turningandstalkingoff.Jezalwatchedhim
gowithacontemptevenmoreintensethanusual.
“Wellthatwascharming,”saidArdee.“Arethosethemannersyoushoulduse
beforealady?”
“Ireallycouldn’tsay.Why?Wasthereonewatching?”
Heturnedtolookatherandcaught,justforamoment,aself-satisfiedsmirk.
Quiteanastyexpression,asthoughshehadenjoyedhisoutburst.Hewondered
for a silly instant whether she might have arranged the meeting, have placed
herself and that idiot where Jezal would see them, hoping to arouse his
jealousy…thenshesmiledathim,andlaughed,andJezalfelthisangerfading.
Shelookedveryfine,hethought,tannedandvibrantinthesunlight,laughingout
loud,notcaringwhoheard.Veryfine.Betterthanever,infact.Achancemeeting
was all, what else could it be? She fixed him with those dark eyes and his
suspicionsvanished.“Didyouhavetobesohardonhim?”sheasked.
Jezalfixedhisjaw.“Jumped-up,arrogantnobody,he’sprobablynothingmore
thansomerichman’sbastard.Noblood,nomoney,nomanners—”
“Morethanme,ofallthree.”
Jezalcursedhisbigmouth.Ratherthandragginganapologyfromherhewas
nowinneedofgivingonehimself.Hesoughtdesperatelyforsomewayoutof
thisself-madetrap.“Oh,buthe’sanabsolutemoron!”hewhined.
“Well,”andJezalwasrelievedtoseeonecornerofArdee’smouthcurlupina
slysmile,“heisatthat.Shallwewalk?”Sheslippedherhandthroughhisarm
before he had the chance to answer, and started to lead him off towards the
Kingsway.Jezalallowedhimselftobeguidedbetweenthefrightened,theangry,
theexcitedpeople.
“Soisittrue?”sheasked.
“Iswhattrue?”
“ThattheMercersarefinished?”
“Soitseems.YouroldfriendSanddanGloktawasinthethickofit.Hegave
quitetheperformance,foracripple.”
Ardeelookeddownatthefloor.“Youwouldn’twanttogetonthewrongside
ofhim,crippledorno.”
“No.” Jezal’s mind went back to Salem Rews’ terrified eyes, staring
desperately at him as he vanished into the darkness of the archway. “No, you
wouldn’t.”
A silencedescendedonthemastheystrolleddowntheavenue,butitwasa
comfortable one. He liked walking with her. It no longer seemed important
whether anyone apologised. Perhaps she had been right about the fencing
anyway,justalittle.Ardeeseemedtoreadhisthoughts.“How’stheswordplay
going?”sheasked.
“Notbad.How’sthedrinkinggoing?”
She raised a dark eyebrow. “Excellent well. If only there was a Contest for
that every year, I’d soon come to the attention of the public.” Jezal laughed,
lookingdownatherasshewalkedbesidehim,andshesmiledback.Soclever,
so sharp, so fearless. So damn fine looking. Jezal wondered if there had ever
been a woman quite like her. If only she had the right blood, he thought to
himself,andsomemoney.Alotofmoney.
MeansofEscape
“Openthedoor,inthenameofHisMajesty!”thunderedLieutenantJalenhorm
for the third time, hammering at the wood with his meaty fist. The great oaf.
Whydobigmentendtohavesuchlittlebrains?Perhapstheygetbyonbrawn
toooften,andtheirmindsdryuplikeplumsinthesun.
TheMercers’ Guildhall was an impressivebuildingina busy square not far
fromtheAgriont.Asubstantialcrowdofonlookershadalreadygatheredaround
Gloktaandhisarmedescort: curious, fearful, fascinated, growing all the time.
They can smell blood, it seems. Glokta’s leg was throbbing from the effort of
hurryingdownhere,buthedoubtedthattheMercerswouldbetakenentirelyby
surprise. He glanced round impatiently at the armoured guardsmen, at the
maskedPracticals,atthehardeyesofFrost,attheyoungofficerbeatingonthe
door.
“Openthe—”
Enoughofthisfoolishness.“Ithinktheyheardyou,Lieutenant,”saidGlokta
crisply,“butarechoosingnottoanswer.Wouldyoubesokindastobreakthe
doordown?”
“What?”Jalenhormgawpedathim,andthenattheheavydoubledoors,firmly
secured.“HowwillI—”
Practical Frost hurtled past. There was a deafening crack and a tearing of
woodashecrashedintooneofthedoorswithhisburlyshoulder,tearingitoffits
hingesandsendingitcrashingontotheflooroftheroombeyond.
“Likeso,”mutteredGlokta as he stepped through the archway, the splinters
stillsettling.Jalenhormfollowedhim,lookingdazed,adozenarmouredsoldiers
clatteringbehind.
An outraged clerk blocked the-corridor beyond. “You can’t just—oof!” he
cried,asFrostflunghimoutofthewayandhisfacecrunchedintothewall.
“Arrestthatman!”shoutedGlokta,wavinghiscaneatthedumbstruckclerk.
Oneof the soldiersgrabbedhim roughlywithgauntleted fistsandshoved him
tumbling out into the daylight. Practicals began to pour through the broken
doors, heavy sticks in their hands, eyes fierce above their masks. “Arrest
everyone!”shoutedGloktaoverhisshoulder,limpingdownthecorridorasfast
ashecould,followingFrost’sbroadbackintothebowelsofthebuilding.
ThroughanopendoorGloktasawamerchantincolourfulrobes,facecovered
withasheenof sweatas hedesperately heapeddocumentsontoa blazingfire.
“Seizehim!”screamedGlokta.ApairofPracticalsleapedpastintotheroomand
beganclubbingthemanwiththeirsticks.Hefellwithacry,upsettingatableand
kicking over a pile of ledgers. Loose papers and bits of burning ash fluttered
throughtheairasthesticksroseandfell.
Glokta hurried on, crashes and cries spreading out into the building around
him.Theplacewasfullofthesmellofsmoke,andsweat,andfear.Thedoors
areallguarded,butKaultmighthaveasecretmeansofescape.He’saslippery
one.Wemusthopewearenottoolate.Cursethislegofmine!Nottoolate…
Gloktagaspedandwincedinpain,totteringassomeoneclutchedathiscoat.
“Helpme!”shriekedtheman,“Iaminnocent!”Bloodonaplumpface.Fingers
clutchedatGlokta’sclothes,threateningtodraghimtothefloor.
“Get him off me!” shouted Glokta, beating at him weakly with his cane,
clawing at the wall in his efforts to stay upright. One of the Practicals leaped
forwardandclubbedthemanacrosstheback.
“Iconfess!”themerchantwhimperedasthestickroseagain,thenitcracked
down on his head. The Practical caught hold of his slumping body under the
arms and dragged him back towards the door. Glokta hurried on, Lieutenant
Jalenhormwide-eyedathisshoulder.Theyreachedabroadstaircase,andGlokta
eyeditwithhatred.Myoldenemies,alwayshereaheadofme.Helabouredupas
best he could, waving Practical Frost forward with his free hand. A baffled
merchant was dragged past them and away, squawking something about his
rights,heelskickingagainstthestairs.
Glokta slipped and nearly fell on his face, but someone caught him by the
elbow and kept him upright. It was Jalenhorm, a look of confusion still
splatteredacrosshisheavy,honestface.Sobigmenhavetheirusesafterall.The
youngofficerhelpedhimuptherestofthesteps.Gloktadidnothavetheenergy
torefusehim.Whybother?Amanshouldknowhislimitations.There’snothing
nobleinfallingonyourface.Ishouldknowthat.
Therewasalargeante-chamberatthetopofthestairs,richlydecoratedwitha
thick carpet and colourful hangings on the walls. Two guards stood before a
large door with their swords drawn, dressed in the livery of the Guild of
Mercers.Frostwasfacingthem,handsrolledintowhitefists.Jalenhormpulled
outhisownswordashereachedthelanding,steppingforwardtostandnextto
the albino. Glokta had to smile. The tongueless torturer and the flower of
chivalry.Anunlikelyalliance.
“IhaveawarrantforKault,signedbytheKinghimself.”Gloktaheldoutthe
papersotheguardscouldseeit.“TheMercersarefinished.Youhavenothingto
gainbygettinginourway.Putupyourswords!Youhavemyword,youwillnot
beharmed!”
The two guards glanced at each other uncertainly. “Put them up!” shouted
Jalenhorm,edgingalittlecloser.
“Alright!” One of the men bent down and slid his sword along the boards.
Frostcaughtitunderonefoot.
“And you!” shouted Glokta to the other one. “Now!” The guard obeyed,
throwinghisswordtothefloorandputtinguphishands.AmomentlaterFrost’s
fist crunched into the point of his jaw, knocking him cold and sending him
crashingintothewall.
“But—”shoutedthefirstguard.Frostgrabbedhimbytheshirtandflunghim
downthestairs.Heturnedoverandover,bangingonthesteps,floppingtothe
bottom,lyingstill.Iknowwhatthatfeelslike.
Jalenhorm was standing motionless and blinking, his sword still raised. “I
thoughtyousaid—”
“Nevermindaboutthat.Frost,lookforanotherwayin.”
“Thhh.” The albino padded away down the corridor. Glokta gave him a
moment,thenheedgedforwardandtriedthedoor.Thehandleturned,muchto
hissurprise,andthedoorswungopen.
Theroomwasopulenceitself,nearasbigasabarn.Thecarvingonthehigh
ceiling was caked in gold leaf, the spines of the books on the shelves were
studdedwithpreciousstones,themonstrousfurniturewaspolishedtoamirror
shine. All was over-sized, over-embellished, over-expensive. But who needs
tastewhenyouhavemoney?Therewereseveralbigwindowsofthenewdesign,
largepanes withlittlelead betweenthem,offeringa splendidview of thecity,
thebay,theshipswithinit.MagisterKaultsatsmilingathisvastgiltdeskbefore
themiddlewindowinhisfabulousrobesof office,partly overshadowedby an
enormouscabinet,thearmsofthehonourableGuildofMercersetchedintoits
doors.
Then he has not got away. I have him. I… Tied around the thick leg of the
cabinetwasarope.Gloktafolloweditwithhiseyesasitsnakedacrossthefloor.
TheotherendwastiedaroundtheMagistersneck.Ah.Sohedoeshaveameans
ofescape,afterall.
“InquisitorGlokta!”Kaultgaveasqueaky,nervouslaugh.“Whatapleasureto
finally meet you! I’ve been hearing all about your investigations!” His fingers
twitchedattheknotontherope,makingsureitwastiedsecurely.
“Isyourcollartootight,Magister?Perhapsyoushouldremoveit?”
Another squeak of merriment. “Oh, I don’t think so! I don’t intend to be
answering any of your questions, thank you!” Out of the corner of his eye,
Gloktasawasidedooredgingopen.Abigwhitehandappeared,fingerscurling
slowlyroundthedoorframe.Frost.Thereisstillhopeofcatchinghim,then.I
mustkeephimtalking.
“Therearenoquestionslefttoanswer.Weknowitall.”
“Do you indeed?” giggled the Magister. The albino edged silently into the
room,keepingtotheshadowsnear thewall,hiddenfromKaultbythebulkof
thecabinet.
“WeknowaboutKalyne.Aboutyourlittlearrangement.”
“Imbecile!Wehadnoarrangement!Hewasfartoohonourabletobebought!
He would never take a mark from me!” Thenhow… Kault smiled a sick little
smile. “Sult’s secretary,” he said, giggling again. “Right under his nose, and
yourstoo,cripple!”Fool,fool—thesecretarycarriedthemessages,hesaw the
confession, he knew everything! I never trusted that smarmy shit. Kalyne was
loyal,then.
Gloktashrugged.“Weallmakemistakes.”
TheMagistergaveawitheringsneer.“Mistakes?That’sallyou’vemade,dolt!
Theworldisnothinglikeyouthinkitis!Youdon’tevenknowwhatsideyou’re
on!Youdon’tevenknowwhatthesidesare!”
“Iamon thesideof theKing,andyouarenot.ThatisallIneedtoknow.”
Frost had made it to the cabinet and was pressed against it, pink eyes staring
intently,tryingto see roundthecorner without beingseen.Just a little longer,
justalittlefurther…
“You know nothing, cripple! Some small business with tax, some petty
bribery,that’sallwewereguiltyof!”
“Andthetriflingmatterofninemurders.”
“Wehadnochoice!”screamedKault.“Weneverhadanychoices!Wehadto
pay the bankers! They loaned us the money, and we had to pay! We’ve been
paying them for years! Valint and Balk, the bloodsuckers! We gave them
everything,buttheyalwayswantedmore!”
ValintandBalk?Bankers?Gloktathrewaneyeovertheridiculousopulence.
“Youseemtobekeepingyourheadabovewater.”
“Seem!Seem!Alldust!Alllies!Thebankersownitall!Theyownusall!We
owethemthousands!Millions!”Kaultgiggledtohimself.“ButIdon’tsuppose
they’llevergetitnow,willthey?”
“No.Idon’tsupposetheywill.”
Kaultleanedacrossthedesk,theropehangingdownandbrushingtheleather
top.“Youwantcriminals,Glokta?Youwanttraitors?EnemiesofKingandstate?
Look in the Closed Council. Look in the House of Questions. Look in the
University.Lookinthebanks,Glokta!”HesawFrost,edgingroundthecabinet
nomorethanfourstridesaway.Hiseyeswentwideandhestartedupfromhis
chair.
“Get him!” screamed Glokta. Frost sprang forward, lunged across the desk,
caughtholdof the flickinghemofKault’srobe of officeas theMagisterspan
roundandhurledhimselfatthewindow.Wehavehim!
TherewasasickeningripastherobetoreinFrost’swhitefist.Kaultseemed
frozeninspaceforamomentasallthatexpensiveglassshatteredaroundhim,
shards and splinters glittering through the air, then he was gone. The rope
snappedtaut.
“Thhhhh!”hissedFrost,glaringatthebrokenwindow.
“Hejumped!”gaspedJalenhorm,hismouthhangingopen.
“Clearly.” Glokta limped over to the desk and took the ripped strip of cloth
from Frost’s hands. Close up it scarcely seemed magnificent at all: brightly
colouredbutbadlywoven.
“Whowould havethought?” mutteredGlokta tohimself. “Poorquality.”He
limped to the window and peered through the shattered hole. The head of the
honourableGuild of Mercerswasswinging slowly backandforth, twenty feet
below, his torn, gold-embroidered gown flapping around him in the breeze.
Cheapclothesandexpensivewindows.Iftheclothhadbeenstrongerwewould
havegothim.Ifthewindowhadmorelead,wewouldhavegothim.Liveshinge
on such chances. Beneath him in the street a horrified crowd was already
gathering: pointing, babbling, staring up at the hanging body. A woman
screamed.Fear,orexcitement?Theysoundthesame.
“Lieutenant,would you be so good astogodown and disperse that crowd?
Thenwecancutourfriendlooseandtakehimbackwithus.”Jalenhormlooked
athimblankly.“Deadoralive,theKing’swarrantmustbeserved.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”Theburlyofficerwipedsweatfromhisforeheadandmade,
somewhatunsteadily,forthedoor.
Glokta turned back to the window and peered down at the slowly swinging
corpse.MagisterKault’slastwordsechoedinhismind.
Look in the Closed Council. Look in the House of Questions. Look in the
University.Lookinthebanks,Glokta!
ThreeSigns
West crashed onto his arse, one of his steels skittering out of his hands and
acrossthecobbles.“That’satouch!”shoutedMarshalVaruz,“Adefinitetouch!
Wellfought,Jezal,wellfought!”
Westwasstartingtotireoflosing.HewasstrongerthanJezal,andtaller,with
abetterreach,butthecockylittlebastardwasquick.Damnquick,andgetting
quicker.HeknewallofWest’stricksnow,moreorless,andifhekeptimproving
at this rate he’d soon be beating him every time. Jezal knew it too. He had a
smile of infuriating smugness on his face as he offered his hand to West and
helpedhimupfromtheground.
“We’re getting somewhere now!” Varuz slapped his stick against his leg in
delight.“Wemayevenhaveourselvesachampion,eh,Major?”
“Verylikely,sir,”saidWest,rubbingathiselbow,bruisedandthrobbingfrom
his fall. He looked sidelong at Jezal, basking in the warmth of the Marshal’s
praise.
“Butwemustnotgrowcomplacent!”
“No,sir!”saidJezalemphatically.
“Noindeed,”saidVaruz,“MajorWestisacapablefencer,ofcourse,andyou
are privileged to have him as a partner but, well,” and he grinned at West,
“fencingisayoungman’sgame,eh,Major?”
“Ofcourseitis,sir,”mutteredWest.“Ayoungman’sgame.”
“BremerdanGorst,Iexpect,willbeadifferentsortofopponent,aswillthe
othersatthisyearsContest.Lessoftheveteran’scunning,perhaps,butmoreof
the vigour of youth, eh West?” West, at thirty, was still feeling somewhat
vigorous, but there was no purpose in arguing. He knew he’d never been the
most gifted swordsman in the world. “We have made great progress this past
month, great progress. You have a chance, if you can maintain your focus. A
definitechance!Welldone!Iwillseeyoubothtomorrow.”AndtheoldMarshal
struttedfromthesunnycourtyard.
Westwalkedovertohisfumbledsteel,lyingonthecobblesbythewall.His
side was still aching from the fall, and he had to bend awkwardly to get it. “I
havetobegoing,myself,”hegruntedashestraightenedup,tryingtohidehis
discomfortasbesthecould.
“Importantbusiness?”
“MarshalBurrhasaskedtoseeme.”
“Isittobewarthen?”
“Perhaps. I don’t know.” West looked Jezal up and down. He was avoiding
West’seyeforsomereason.“Andyou?Whathaveyougotinmindfortoday?”
Jezalfiddled with hissteels.“Er, nothingplanned…not really.” Heglanced
upfurtively.Forsuchagoodcardplayer,themanwasauselessliar.
West felt a niggling of worry. “Ardee wouldn’t be involved in your lack of
planswouldshe?”
“Erm…”
Thenigglingbecameacoldthrobbing.“Well?”
“Maybe,”snappedJezal,“well…yes.”
Weststeppedrightuptotheyoungerman.“Jezal,”heheardhimselfsaying,
slowlythroughgrittedteeth,“Ihopeyou’renotplanningtofuckmysister.”
“Nowlookhere—”
The throbbing boiled over. West’s hands gripped hold of Jezal by his
shoulders. “No, you look!” he snarled. “I’ll not have her trifled with, you
understand?She’sbeenhurtbefore,andI’llnotseeherhurtanymore!Notby
you,notbyanyone!Iwon’tstandforit!She’snotoneofyourgames,youhear
me?”
“Alright,” said Jezal, face suddenly pale. “Alright! I’ve no designs on her!
We’rejustfriendsisall.Ilikeher!Shedoesn’tknowanyonehereand…youcan
trustme…there’snoharminit!Ah!Getoffme!”
West realised he was squeezing Jezal’s arms with all his strength. How had
thathappened?He’donlymeanttohaveaquietword,andnowhe’dgoneway
too far. Hurt before… damn it! He should never have said that! He let go
suddenly, drew back, swallowing his fury. “I don’t want you seeing her any
more,doyouhearme?”
“NowholdonWest,whoareyouto—”
West’sangerbegantopulseagain.“Jezal,”hegrowled,“I’myourfriend,so
I’m asking you.” He stepped forward again, closer than ever. “And I’m her
brother,soI’mwarningyou.Stayaway!Nogoodcancomeofit!”
Jezalshrankbackagainstthewall.“Alright…alright!She’syoursister!”
West turned and stalked towardsthearchway,rubbingthe back of his neck,
hisheadthumping.
Lord Marshal Burr was sitting and staring out of the window when West
arrived at his offices. A big, grim, beefy man with a thick brown beard and a
simple uniform. West wondered how bad the news would be. If the Marshal’s
facewasanythingtogobyitwasverybadindeed.
“MajorWest,”hesaid, glaringupfrom under hisheavybrows. “Thankyou
forcoming.”
“Ofcourse,sir.”Westnoticedthreeroughly-madewoodenboxesonatableby
thewall.Burrsawhimlookingatthem.
“Gifts,”hesaidsourly,“fromourfriendinthenorth,Bethod.”
“Gifts?”
“FortheKing,itseems.”TheMarshalscowledandsuckedathisteeth.“Why
don’tyouhavealookatwhathesentus,Major?”
West walked over tothetable, reached out and cautiouslyopenedthe lid of
one of the boxes. An unpleasant smell flowed out, like well-rotted meat, but
there was nothing inside but some brown dirt. He opened the next box. The
smellwasworse.Morebrowndirt,cakedaroundtheinside,andsomehair,some
strandsofyellowhair.Westswallowed,lookedupatthefrowningLordMarshal.
“Isthisall,sir?”
Burrsnorted.“Ifonly.Therestwehadtobury.”
“Bury?”
The Marshal picked up a sheet of paper from his desk. “Captain Silber,
CaptainHoss,ColonelArinhorm.Thosenamesmeananythingtoyou?”
West felt sick. That smell. It reminded him of Gurkhul somehow, of the
battlefield.“ColonelArinhorm,Iknow,”hemumbled,staringatthethreeboxes,
“byreputation.He’scommanderofthegarrisonatDunbrec.”
“Was,”correctedBurr,“andtheothertwocommandedsmalloutpostsnearby,
onthefrontier.”
“Thefrontier?”mumbledWest,buthealreadyguessedwhatwascoming.
“Their heads, Major. The Northmen sent us their heads.” West swallowed,
lookingattheyellowhairsstucktotheinsideofthebox.“Threesigns,theysaid,
when it was time.” Burr got up from his chair and stood, looking out of the
window.“Theoutpostswerenothing:woodenbuildingsmostly,apalisadewall,
ditches and so on, lightly manned. Little strategic importance. Dunbrec is
anothermatter.”
“ItcommandsthefordsontheWhiteflow,”saidWestnumbly,“thebestway
outofAngland.”
“Or in. A vital point. Considerable time and resources were spent on the
defences there. The very latest designs were used, our finest architects. A
garrisonofthreehundredmen,withstoresofweaponsandfoodtostandayear
of siege. It was considered impregnable, the lynchpin of our plans for the
defenceofthefrontier.”Burrfrowned,deepgroovesappearingacrossthebridge
ofhisnose.“Gone.”
West’sheadhadstartedhurtingagain.“When,sir?”
“When is the question. It must have been at least two weeks ago, for these
“gifts”tohavereachedus.Iambeingcalleddefeatist,”saidBurrsourly,“butI
guessthattheNorthmenarelooseandthat,bynow, theyhave overrunhalf of
northernAngland.Aminingcommunityortwo,severalpenalcolonies,nothing
sofarofmajorimportance,notownstospeakof,buttheyarecoming,West,and
fast, you may be sure of that. You don’t send heads to your enemy, then wait
politelyforareply.”
“Whatisbeingdone?”
“Precious little! Angland is in uproar, of course. Lord Governor Meed is
raising every man, determined to march out and beat Bethod on his own, the
idiot. Varying reports place the Northmen anywhere and everywhere, with a
thousand men or a hundred thousand. The ports are choked with civilians
desperatetoescape,rumoursarerifeofspiesandmurdererslooseinthecountry,
and mobs seek out citizens with Northern blood and beat them, rob them, or
worse.Putsimply,itischaos.Meanwhilewesithereonourfatarses,waiting.”
“But…weren’twewarned?Didn’tweknow?”
“Ofcourse!”Burrthrewhisbroadhandupintheair,“butnoonetookitvery
seriously,wouldyoubelieve!Damnpaintedsavagestabshimselfonthefloorof
the Open Council, challengess us before the King, and nothing is done!
Governmentbycommittee!Everyonepullingtheirownway!Youcanonlyreact,
never prepare!” The Marshal coughed and burped, spat on the floor. “Gah!
Damn it! Damn indigestion!” He sat back in his chair, rubbing his stomach
unhappily.
Westhardlyknewwhattosay.“Howdoweproceed?”hemumbled.
“We’ve been ordered north immediately, meaning as soonasanyonecanbe
bothered to supply me with men and arms. The King, meaning that drunkard
Hoff,hascommandedmetobringtheseNorthmentoheel.Twelveregimentsof
theKing’sOwn—sevenoffootandfiveofhorse,tobefleshedoutwithlevies
fromthearistocracy,andwhatevertheAnglandershaven’tsquanderedbeforewe
getthere.”
West shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “That should be an overwhelming
force.”
“Huh,” grunted the Marshal. “It better be. It’s everything we have, more or
less,andthatworriesme.”Westfrowned.“Dagoska,Major.Wecannotfightthe
GurkishandtheNorthmenbothatonce.”
“But surely, sir, the Gurkish, they wouldn’t risk another war so soon? I
thoughtitwasallidletalk?”
“I hope so, I hope so.” Burr pushed some papers absently around his desk.
“But this new Emperor, Uthman, is not what we were expecting. He was the
youngestson,butwhenheheardofhisfathersdeath…hehadallhisbrothers
strangled.Strangledthemhimself,somesay.Uthman-ul-Dosht,theyarecalling
him. Uthman the Merciless. He has already declared his intention to recapture
Dagoska.Emptytalk,perhaps.Perhapsnot.”Burrpursedhislips.“Theysayhe
has spies everywhere. He might even now be learning of our troubles in
Angland,mightevennowbepreparingtotakeadvantageofourweakness.We
mustbedonequicklywiththeseNorthmen.Veryquickly.Twelveregimentsand
leviesfromthenoblemen.Andfromthatpointofviewitcouldnotbeaworse
time.”
“Sir?”
“ThisbusinesswiththeMercers.Abadbusiness.Someofthebignoblemen
got stung. Brock, Isher, Barezin, and others. Now they’re dragging their feet
with the levies. Who knows what they’ll send us, or when? Bunch of half-
starved,unarmedbeggarsprobably,anexcusetocleanthescrapingsfromtheir
land.Auselesscrowdofextramouthstofeed,andclothe,andarm,andweare
desperatelyshortofgoodofficers.”
“Ihavesomegoodmeninmybattalion.”
Burr twitched impatiently. “Good men, yes! Honest men, enthusiastic men,
but not experienced! Most of those who fought in the South did not enjoy it.
Theyhaveleftthearmy,andhavenointentionofreturning.Haveyouseenhow
youngtheofficersarethesedays?We’readamnfinishingschool!AndnowHis
HighnessthePrincehasexpressedhisinterestinacommand.Hedoesn’teven
knowwhichendofaswordtohold,butheissetongloryandIcannotrefuse
him!”
“PrinceRaynault?”
“Ifonly!”shoutedBurr.“Raynaultmightactuallybeofsomeuse!It’sLadisla
I’mtalkingof!Commandingadivision!Amanwhospendsathousandmarksa
monthonclothes!Hislackofdisciplineisnotorious!I’vehearditsaidthathe’s
forcedhimselfonmorethanoneservantinthepalace,butthattheArchLector
wasabletosilencethegirls.”
“Surely not,” said West, although he had actually heard such a rumour
himself.
“The heir to the throne, in harm’s way, when the King is in poor health? A
ludicrousnotion!”Burrgotup,burpingandwincing.“Damnthisstomach!”He
stalkedovertothewindowandfrownedoutacrosstheAgriont.
“Theythinkitwillbeeasilysettled,”hesaidquietly.“TheClosedCouncil.A
little jaunt in Angland, done with before the first snow falls. In spite of this
shockwithDunbrec.Theyneverlearn.Theysaidthesameaboutourwarwith
theGurkish,andthatnearlyfinishedus.TheseNorthmenarenottheprimitives
theythink.IfoughtwithNorthernmercenariesinStarikland:hardmenusedto
hardlives,raisedonwarfare,fearlessandstubborn,expertatfightinginthehills,
intheforests,inthecold.Theydonotfollowourrules,orevenunderstandthem.
Theywillbringaviolenceandasavagerytothebattlefieldthatwouldmakethe
Gurkish blush.” Burr turned away from the window, back to West. “You were
borninAngland,weren’tyou,Major?”
“Yes, sir, in the south, near Ostenhorm. My family’s farm was there, before
myfatherdied…”Hetrailedoff.
“Youwereraisedthere?”
“Yes.”
“Youknowthelandthen?”
Westfrowned.“Inthatregion,sir,butIhavenotbeenbackfor—”
“DoyouknowtheseNorthmen?”
“Some.TherearestillmanylivinginAngland.”
“Youspeaktheirtongue?”
“Yes,alittle,buttheyspeakmany—”
“Good.Iamputtingtogetherastaff,goodmenIcanrelyontocarryoutmy
orders, and see to it that this army of ours does not fall apart before it even
comesintocontactwiththeenemy”
“Of course, sir.” West racked his brains. “Captain Luthar is a capable and
intelligentofficer,LieutenantJalenhorm—”
“Bah!”shoutedBurr,wavinghishandinfrustration,“IknowLuthar,theboy’s
a cretin! Just the sort of bright-eyed child that I was talking about! It’s you I
need,West.”
“Me?”
“Yes,you!MarshalVaruz,theUnion’smostfamoussoldiernoless,hasgiven
youaglowingreport.Hesaysyouareamostcommitted,tenacious,andhard-
working officer. The very qualities I need! As a Lieutenant you fought in
GurkhulunderColonelGlokta,didyounot?”
Westswallowed.“Well,yes.”
“AnditiswellknownyouwerefirstthroughthebreachatUlrioch.”
“Well,amongthefirst,Iwas—”
“Youhaveledmeninthefield,andyourpersonalcourageisbeyondquestion!
Thereisnoneedtobemodest,Major,youarethemanforme!”Burrsatback,a
smileonhisface,confidenthehadmadehispoint.Heburpedagain,holdingup
hishand.“Myapologies…damnindigestion!”
“Sir,mayIbeblunt?”
“Iamnocourtier,West.Youmustalwaysbebluntwithme.Idemandit!”
“AnappointmentonaLordMarshal’sstaff,sir,youmustunderstand.Iama
gentleman’s son. A commoner. As commander of a battalion, I already have
difficultygainingtherespectofthejuniorofficers.ThemenIwouldhavetogive
orderstoifIwereonyourstaff,sir,seniormenwithgoodblood…”Hepaused,
exasperated.TheMarshalgazedblanklyathim.“Theywillnotpermitit!”
Burrseyebrowsdrewtogether.“Permitit?”
“Theirpridewillnotallowit,sir,their—”
“Damntheirpride!”Burrleanedforward,hisdarkeyesfixedonWest’sface.
“Nowlistento me, and listencarefully.Timesarechanging. I don’tneed men
withgoodblood.Ineedmenwhocanplan,andorganise,giveorders,andfollow
them.There willlie noroomin myarmyfor thosewho cannotdoas theyare
told,Idon’tcarehownobletheyare.Asamemberofmystaffyourepresentme,
and I will not be slighted or ignored.” He burped suddenly, and smashed the
tablewithhisfist.“Iwillseetoit!”heroared.“Timesarechanging!Theymay
notsmellityet,buttheysoonwill!”
Weststareddumblyback.“Inanycase,”andBurrwavedadismissivehand,“I
amnotconsultingwithyou,Iaminformingyou.Thisisyournewassignment.
YourKingneedsyou,yourcountryneedsyou,andthatisall.Youhavefivedays
tohandovercommandofyourbattalion.”AndtheLordMarshalturnedbackto
hispapers.
“Yes,sir,”mutteredWest.
Hefumbledthedoorshutbehindhimwithnumbfingers,walkedslowlydown
the hallway, staring at the floor. War. War in the North. Dunbrec fallen, the
Northmen loose in Angland. Officers hurried around him. Someone brushed
past,buthehardlynoticed.Therewerepeopleindanger,mortaldanger!People
heknewmaybe,neighboursfromhome.Therewasfightingevennow,insidethe
Union’s borders!Herubbed hisjaw.This war couldbe a terriblething. Worse
thanGurkhul had been,even,and he wouldbeat the heartofit. Aplaceona
Lord Marshal’s staff. Him? Collem West? A commoner? He still could hardly
believeit.
West felt a sneaking, guilty glow of satisfaction. It was for just such an
appointmentthathehadbeenworkinglikeadogalltheseyears.Ifhedidwell
there was no telling where he might go. This war was a bad thing, a terrible
thing,nodoubt.Hefelthimselfgrinning.Aterriblething.Butitjustmightbe
themakingofhim.
TheTheatricalOutfitter’s
The deck creaked and shifted beneath his feet, the sail-cloth flapped gently,
seabirdscrowedandcalledinthesaltyairabove.
“Ineverthoughttoseesuchathing,”mutteredLogen.
The city was a huge white crescent, stretching all round the wide blue bay,
sprawlingacrossmanybridges,tinyinthedistance,andontorockyislandsinthe
sea.Hereandtheregreenparks stoodout fromthe confusionof buildings,the
thin grey lines of rivers and canals shone in the sun. There were walls too,
studded with towers, skirting the distant edge of the city and striking boldly
throughthejumbleofhouses.Logen’sjawhungstupidlyopen,hiseyesdarted
hereandthere,unabletotakeinthewhole.
“Adua,” murmured Bayaz. “The centre of the world. The poets call her the
cityofwhitetowers.Beautiful,isn’tshe,from adistance?” TheMagus leaned
towardshim.“Believeme,though,shestinkswhenyougetclose.”
A vast fortress rose up from within the city, its sheer white walls towering
abovethecarpetofbuildingsoutside,brightsunlightglintingonshiningdomes
within. Logen had never dreamed of a man-made thing so great, so proud, so
strong. One tower in particular rose high, high over all the others, a tapering
clusterofsmooth,darkpillars,seemingtosupporttheverysky.
“AndBethodmeanstomakewaronthis?”hewhispered.“Hemustbemad.”
“Perhaps.Bethod,forallhiswasteandpride,understandstheUnion.”Bayaz
nodded towards the city. “They are jealous of one another, all those people. It
may be a union in name, but they fight each other tooth and nail. The lowly
squabbleovertrifles.Thegreatwagesecretwarsforpowerandwealth,andthey
callitgovernment.Warsofwords,andtricks,andguile,butnolessbloodyfor
that. The casualties are many.” The Magus sighed. “Behind those walls they
shoutandargueandendlesslybiteoneanothersbacks.Oldsquabblesarenever
settled, but thrive, and put down roots, and the roots grow deeper with the
passingyears.Ithasalwaysbeenso.Theyarenotlikeyou,Logen.Amanhere
cansmile,andfawn,andcallyoufriend,giveyougiftswithonehandandstab
youwiththeother.Youwillfindthisastrangeplace.”
Logenalreadyfounditthestrangestthinghehadeverseen.Therewasnoend
toit.Astheirboatslippedintothebaythecityseemedtogrowmorevastthan
ever.Aforestofwhitebuildings,speckledwithdarkwindows,embracingthem
on all sides, covering the hills in roofs and towers, crowding together, wall
squashedtowall,pressingupagainstthewaterontheshoreline.
Shipsandboatsofalldesignsviedwitheachotherinthebay,sailsbillowing,
crewmen crying out over the noise of the spray, hurrying about the decks and
crawlingthroughtherigging.Someweresmallereventhantheirownlittletwo-
sailed boat. Some were far larger. Logen gawped, amazed, as a huge vessel
ploughedthroughthewatertowardsthem,shiningsprayflyingfromitsprow.A
mountainofwood,floatingbysomemagicinthesea.Theshippassed,leaving
them rocking in its wake, but there were more, many more, tethered to the
countlesswharvesalongtheshore.
Logen,shieldinghiseyesagainstthebrightsunwithonehand,begantomake
out people on the sprawling docks. He began to hear them too, a faint din of
voicescryingandcartsrattlingandcargoesclatteringtotheground.Therewere
hundreds of tiny figures, swarming among the ships and buildings like black
ants.“Howmanylivehere?”hewhispered.
“Thousands.” Bayaz shrugged. “Hundreds of thousands. People from every
landwithintheCircleoftheWorld.ThereareNorthmenhere,anddark-skinned
KanticsfromGurkhulandbeyond.PeoplefromtheOldEmpire,fartothewest,
andmerchantsoftheFreeCitiesofStyria.Otherstoo,fromstillfurtheraway—
the Thousand Islands, distant Suljuk, and Thond, where they worship the sun.
More people than can be counted—living, dying, working, breeding, climbing
oneupontheother.Welcome,” and Bayazspreadhisarmswide to encompass
themonstrous,thebeautiful,theendlesscity,“tocivilisation!”
Hundreds of thousands. Logen struggled to understand it. Hundreds… of
thousands.Couldtherebesomanypeopleintheworld?Hestaredatthecity,all
around him, wondering, rubbing his aching eyes. What might a hundred
thousandpeoplelooklike?
Anhourlaterheknew.
Onlyin battle hadLogen ever beensosquashed, hemmed,pressedby other
people.Itwaslikeabattle,hereonthedocks—thecries,theanger,thecrush,the
fearandconfusion.Abattlein whichno mercywas shown,and whichhad no
end and no winners. Logen was used to the open sky, the air around him, his
owncompany.Ontheroad,whenBayazandQuaihadriddenclosebesidehim,
he’d felt squeezed. Now there were people on every side, pushing, jostling,
shouting. Hundreds of them! Thousands! Hundreds of thousands! Could they
really all be people? People like him with thoughts and moods and dreams?
Facesloomedupandflashedby—surly,anxious,frowning,goneinasickening
whirl of colour. Logen swallowed, blinked. His throat was painfully dry. His
headspan.Surelythiswashell.Heknewhedeservedtobehere,buthedidn’t
rememberdying.
“Malacus!” he hissed desperately. The apprentice looked round. “Stop a
moment!”Logenpulledathiscollar,tryingtoletsomeairin.“Ican’tbreathe!”
Quaigrinned.“Itmightjustbethesmell.”
It might at that. The docks smelled like hell, and no mistake. The reek of
stinkingfish,sicklyspices,rottingfruit,freshdung,sweatinghorsesandmules
andpeople,mingledandbredunderthehotsunandbecameworsebyfarthan
anyonealone.
“Move!”AshoulderknockedLogenroughlyasideandwasgone.Heleaned
againstagrimywallandwipedsweatfromhisface.
Bayazwassmiling.“NotlikethewideandbarrenNorth,eh,Ninefingers?”
“No.” Logen watched the people milling past—the horses, the carts, the
endlessfaces.Amanstaredsuspiciouslyathimashepassed.Aboypointedat
him and shouted something. A woman with a basket gave him a wide berth,
staringfearfullyupasshehurriedby.Nowhehadamomenttothink,theywere
alllooking,andpointing,andstaring,andtheydidn’tlookhappy.
LogenleaneddowntoMalacus.“IamfearedandhatedthroughouttheNorth.
Idon’tlikeit,butIknowwhy.”Asullengroupofsailorsstaredathimwithhard
eyes,mutteringtoeachotherundertheirbreath.Hewatchedthem,puzzled,until
theydisappearedbehindarumblingwagon.“Whydotheyhatemehere?”
“Bethod has moved quickly,” muttered Bayaz, frowning out at the crowds.
“His war with the Union has already begun. We will not find the North too
popularinAdua,Ifear.”
“HowdotheyknowwhereI’mfrom?”Malacusraisedaneyebrow.“Youstick
outsomewhat.”Logenflinchedasapairoflaughingyouthsflashedbyhim.“I
do?Amongallthis?”
“Onlylikeahuge,scarred,dirtygatepost.”
“Ah.”Helookeddownathimself.“Isee.”
Awayfromthedocksthecrowdsgrewsparser,theaircleaner,thenoisefaded.
Itwasstillteeming,stinking,andnoisy,butatleastLogencouldtakeabreath.
They passed across wide paved squares, decorated with plants and statues,
where brightly-painted wooden signs hung over doors—blue fish, pink pigs,
purplebunchesofgrapes,brownloavesofbread.Thereweretablesandchairs
outin thesunwhere peoplesatand atefrom flatpots,drank fromgreenglass
cups. They threaded through narrow alleys, where rickety-looking wood and
plaster buildings leaned out over them, almost meeting above their heads,
leaving only a thin strip of blue sky between. They wandered down wide,
cobbled roads, busy with people and lined with monstrous white buildings.
Logenblinkedandgapedatallofit.
Onnomoor,howeverfoggy,innoforest,howeverdense,hadLogeneverfelt
socompletelylost.Hehadnoideanowinwhatdirectiontheboatwas,though
they’d left it no more than half an hour ago. The sun was hidden behind the
toweringbuildingsandeverythinglookedthe same.He wasterrified he’dlose
trackofBayazandQuaiinthecrowds,andbelostforever.Hehurriedafterthe
backofthewizard’sbaldhead,followinghimintoanopenspace.Agreatroad,
bigger than any they’d seen so far, bounded on either side by white palaces
behindhighwallsandfences,linedwithancienttrees.
The people here were different. Their clothes were bright and gaudy, cut in
strangestylesthatservednopurpose.Thewomenhardlyseemedlikepeopleat
all—paleandbony,swaddledinshiningfabric,flappingatthemselvesinthehot
sunwithpiecesofclothstretchedoversticks.
“Wherearewe?”heshoutedatBayaz.Ifthe wizardhadanswered thatthey
wereonthemoon,Logenwouldnothavebeensurprised.
“ThisistheMiddleway,oneofthecity’smainthoroughfares!Itcutsthrough
theverycentreofthecitytotheAgriont!”
“Agriont?”
“Fortress, palace, barracks, seat of government. A city within the city. The
heartoftheUnion.That’swherewe’regoing.”
“We are?” A group of sour young men stared suspiciously at Logen as he
passedthem.“Willtheyletusin?”
“Ohyes.Buttheywon’tlikeit.”
Logenstruggledonthroughthecrowds.Everywherethesuntwinkledonthe
panesofglasswindows,hundredsofthem.Carleonhadafewglasswindowsin
the grandest buildings, at least before they’d sacked the city. Precious few
afterwards,ithadtobeadmitted.Preciouslittleofanything.TheDogmanhad
lovedthesoundtheglassmadeasitbroke.He’dproddedatthewindowswitha
spear,agreatbigsmileonhisface,delightedbythecrashandtinkle.
Thathadhardlybeentheworstofit.BethodhadgiventhecitytohisCarlsfor
threedays.Thatwashiscustom,andtheylovedhimforit.Logenhadlosthis
fingerinthebattlethedaybefore,andthey’dclosedthewoundwithhotiron.It
throbbed, and throbbed, and the pain had made him savage. As though he’d
neededanexcuseforviolencebackthen.Herememberedthestinkofblood,and
sweat,andsmoke.Thesoundsofscreaming,andcrashing,andlaughter.
“Please…” Logen tripped, nearly fell. There was something clinging to his
leg. A woman, sitting on the ground beside a wall. Her clothes were dirty,
ragged,herfacewaspale,pinchedwithhunger.Shehadsomethinginherarms.
A bundle of rags. A child. “Please…” Nothing else. The people laughed and
chatteredandsurgedaroundthem,justasiftheyweren’tthere.“Please…”
“Idon’thaveanything,”hemuttered.Nomorethanfivestridesawayamanin
atallhatsatatatableandchuckledwithafriendashetuckedintoasteaming
plateofmeatandvegetables.Logenlookedattheplateoffood,atthestarving
woman.
“Logen!Comeon!”Bayazhadtakenhimbytheelbowandwasdrawinghim
away.
“Butshouldn’twe—”
“Haven’t you noticed? They’re everywhere! The King needs money, so he
squeezes the nobles. The nobles squeeze their tenants, the tenants squeeze the
peasants.Someofthem,theold,theweak,theextrasonsanddaughters,theyget
squeezedrightoutthebottom.Toomanymouthstofeed.Theluckyonesmake
thievesorwhores,therestendupbegging.”
“But—”
“Cleartheroad!”Logenstumbledtothewallandpressedhimselfagainstit,
Malacusand Bayazbesidehim. Thecrowdsparted andalong column ofmen
tramped by, shepherded by armoured guards. Some were young, mere boys,
somewereveryold.Allweredirtyandragged,andfewofthemlookedhealthy.
A couple were clearly lame, hobbling along as best they could. One near the
fronthadonlyonearm.Apasser-byinafabulouscrimsonjacketheldasquare
ofclothoverhiswrinklednoseasthebeggarsshuffledpast.
“Whatarethese?”LogenwhisperedtoBayaz.“Law-breakers?”
TheMaguschuckled.“Soldiers.”
Logen stared at them—filthy, coughing, limping, some without boots.
“Soldiers?These?”
“Ohyes.TheygotofightBethod.”
Logenrubbedathistemples.“Aclanoncesenttheirpoorestwarrior,aman
called Forley the Weakest, to fight me in a duel. They meant it by way of
surrender. Why does this Union send their weakest?” Logen shook his head
grimly.“Theywon’tbeatBethodwithsuchasthese.”
“Theywillsendothers.”Bayazpointedoutanother,smallergathering.“Those
aresoldierstoo.”
“Those?”Agroupoftallyouths,dressedingaudysuitsofredorbrightgreen
cloth,acouplewithoutsizehats.Theywereatleastwearingswords,ofakind,
but they hardly looked like fighting men. Fighting women, maybe. Logen
frowned,staringfromonegrouptotheother.Thedirtybeggars,thegaudylads.
Itwashardforhimtosaywhichwerethestranger.
Atinybelljingledasthedooropened,andLogenfollowedBayazthroughthe
lowarchway,Malacusbehindhim.Theshopwasdimafterthebrightstreetand
ittookLogen’seyesamomenttoadjust.Leaningagainstawallweresheetsof
wood,childishlydaubedwithpicturesofbuildings,forests,mountains.Strange
clothesweredrapedoverstandsbesidethem—flowingrobes,luridgowns,suits
ofarmour,enormoushatsandhelmets,ringsandjewellery,evenaheavycrown.
Weapons occupied a small rack, swords and spears richly decorated. Logen
steppedcloser,frowning.Theywerefakes.Nothingwasreal.Theweaponswere
painted wood, the crown was made of flaking tin, the jewels were coloured
glass.
“Whatisthisplace?”
Bayazwascastinganeyeovertherobesbythewall.“Atheatricaloutfitters.”
“Awhat?”
“Thepeopleofthiscitylovespectacle.Comedy,drama,theatreofallkinds.
Thisshopprovidesequipmentforthemountingofplays.”
“Stories?” Logen poked at a wooden sword. “Some people have too much
timeontheirhands.”
A small, plump man emerged from a door at the back of the shop, looking
Bayaz,MalacusandLogenoversuspiciously.“CanIhelpyou,gentlemen?”
“Of course.” Bayaz stepped forward, switching effortlessly to the common
tongue. “We are mounting a production, and require some costumes. We
understandyouaretheforemosttheatricaloutfittersinallofAdua.”
The shopkeeper smiled nervously, taking in their grimy faces and travel
stainedclothes.“True,true,but…er…qualityisexpensive,gentlemen.”
“Moneyisnoobject.”Bayaztookoutabulgingpurseandtosseditabsently
onthecounter.Itsaggedopen,heavygoldencoinsscatteringacrossthewood.
Theshopkeeperseyeslitwithaninnerfire.“Ofcourse!Whatpreciselydid
youhaveinmind?”
“Ineedamagnificentrobe,suitableforaMagus,oragreatsorcerer,orsome
such. Something of the arcane about it, certainly. Then we’ll have something
similar, if less impressive, for an apprentice. Finally we need something for a
mightywarrior,aprinceofthedistantNorth.Somethingwithfur,Iimagine.”
“Thoseshouldbestraightforward.Iwillseewhatwehave.”Theshopkeeper
disappearedthroughthedoorbehindthecounter.
“Whatisallthisshit?”askedLogen.
The wizard grinned. “People are born to their station here. They have
commoners,tofight,andfarmtheland,anddothework.Theyhavegentry,to
trade, and build and do the thinking. They have nobility, to own the land and
push the others around. They have royalty…” Bayaz glanced at the tin crown
“…I forget exactly why. In the North you can rise as high as your merits will
takeyou.Onlylookatourmutualfriend,Bethod.Notsohere.Amanisbornin
hisplaceandisexpectedtostaythere.Wemustseemtobefromahighplace
indeed,ifwearetobetakenseriously.Dressedaswearewewouldn’tgetpast
thegatesoftheAgriont.”
The shopkeeper interrupted him by reappearing through the door, his arms
heapedwithbrightcloth.“Onemysticalrobe,suitableforthemostpowerfulof
wizards!UsedlastyearforaJuvensinaproductionofTheEndoftheEmpire,
duringthespringfestival.Itis,ifImaysayso,someofmybestwork.”Bayaz
heldtheshimmeringswatheof crimson cloth up to the faint light, gazing at it
admiringly.Arcanediagrams,mysticallettering,andsymbolsofsun,moonand
stars,glitteredinsilverthread.
Malacusranahandovertheshiningclothofhisownabsurdgarment.“Idon’t
think you’d have laughed me off so quickly, eh, Logen, if I’d arrived at your
campfiredressedinthis?”
Logenwinced.“IreckonImight’ve.”
“And here we have a splendid piece of barbarian garb.” The shopkeeper
hefted a black leather tunic onto the counter, set with swirls of shiny brass,
trimmedwithpointlesstissuesofdelicatechain-mail.Hepointedatthematching
fur cloak. “This is real sable!” It was a ludicrous piece of clothing, equally
uselessforwarmthorprotection.
Logen folded his arms across his old coat. “You think I’m going to wear
that?”
The shopkeeper swallowed nervously. “You must forgive my friend,” said
Bayaz. “He is an actor after the new fashion. He believes in losing himself
entirelyinhisrole.”
“Is that so?” squeaked the man, looking Logen up and down. “Northmen
are…Isuppose…topical.”
“Absolutely. I do declare, Master Ninefingers is the very best at what he
does.”TheoldwizardnudgedLogenintheribs.“Theverybest.Ihaveseenit.”
“Ifyousayso.”Theshopkeeperlookedfarfromconvinced.“MightIenquire
whatyouwillbestaging?”
“Oh,it’sanewpiece.”Bayaztappedthesideofhisbaldheadwithafinger.“I
amstillworkingonthedetails.”
“Really?”
“Indeed. More a scene than an entire play.” He glanced back at the robe,
admiringthe waythelight glitteredonthe arcanesymbols.“Ascene inwhich
Bayaz,theFirstoftheMagi,finallytakesuphisseatontheClosedCouncil.”
“Ah,” the shopkeeper nodded knowingly. “A political piece. A biting satire,
perhaps?Willitbecomic,ordramaticintone?”
BayazglancedsidelongatLogen.“Thatremainstobeseen.”
BarbariansattheGate
Jezal flashed along the lane beside the moat, feet pounding on the worn
cobblestones, the great white wall sliding endlessly by on his right, one tower
afteranother,ashemadehisdailycircuitoftheAgriont.Sincehehadcutdown
on the drinking the improvement in his stamina had been impressive. He was
scarcelyevenoutofbreath.Itwasearlyandthestreetsofthecitywerenearly
empty.Theoddpersonwouldlookupathimasheranby,maybeevencallout
somewordofencouragement,butJezalbarelynoticedthem.Hiseyeswerefixed
onthesparkling,lappingwaterinthemoat,andhismindwaselsewhere.
Ardee. Where else was it ever? He had supposed, after that day when West
had warned him off, after he had stopped seeing her, that his thoughts would
soon return to other matters, and other women. He had applied himself to his
fencingwithawill,attemptedtoshowaninterestinhisdutiesasanofficer,but
hefoundhimselfunabletoconcentrate,andotherwomenseemednowpale,flat,
tediouscreatures.Thelongruns,themonotonousexerciseswithbarandbeam,
gavehismindampleopportunitytowander.Thetediumofpeacetimesoldiering
wasevenworse:readingboringpapers,standingguardonthingsthatneededno
guarding.Hisattentionwouldinevitablyslip,andthenshewouldbethere.
Ardeeinwholesomepeasantgarb,flushedandsweatyfromhardworkinthe
fields.Ardeeinthefineryofaprincess,glitteringwithjewels.Ardeebathingin
forest pools, while he watched from the bushes. Ardee proper and demure,
glancingshylyupathimfrombeneathherlashes.Ardeeawhorebythedocks,
beckoningtohimfromagrimydoorway.Thefantasieswereinfiniteinvariety,
buttheyallendedthesameway.
Hishour-longcircuitoftheAgriontwascompleteandhethumpedacrossthe
bridgeandbackinthroughthesouthgate.
Jezaltreatedtheguardstotheirdailyshareofindifference,trottedthroughthe
tunnelandupthelongrampintothefortress,thenturnedtowardsthecourtyard
where Marshal Varuz would be waiting. All the while, Ardee was rubbing up
againstthebackofhismind.
Itwashardlyasthoughhehadnothingelsetothinkabout.TheContestwas
close now, very close. Soon he would fight before the cheering crowds, his
family and friends among them. It might make his reputation… or sink it. He
shouldhavebeenlyingawakeatnight,tenseandsweating,worryingendlessly
about forms, and training, and steels. And yet somehow that wasn’t what he
thoughtaboutinbed.
Thentherewasawaron.Itwaseasytoforget,hereinthesunnylanesofthe
Agriont,that Angland hadbeeninvaded by hordesofslavering barbarians. He
wouldbegoingnorthsoon,toleadhiscompanyinbattle.There,surely,wasa
thoughtto keepaman occupied.Was notwara deadlybusiness? He couldbe
hurt,orscarred,orkilledeven.Jezaltriedtoconjureupthetwisting,twitching,
painted face of Fenris the Feared. Legions of screaming savages descending
upontheAgriont.Itwasaterriblebusinessalright,adangerousandfrightening
business.
Hmmm.
ArdeecamefromAngland.Whatif,say,sheweretofallintothehandsofthe
Northmen? Jezal would rush to her rescue, of course. She would not be hurt.
Well,notbadly.Perhapsherclothesalittletorn,likeso?Nodoubtshewouldbe
frightened,grateful.Hewouldbeobligedtocomforther,ofcourse.Shemight
evenfaint?Hemighthavetocarryher,herheadpressedagainsthisshoulder.He
mighthavetolayherdownandloosenherclothes.Theirlipsmighttouch,just
brushgently,hersmightpartalittle,then…
Jezal stumbled in the road. There was a pleasant swelling building in his
crotch. Pleasant, but hardly compatible with a brisk run. He was nearly at the
courtyard now, and this would never do at fencing practice. He glanced
desperately around for a distraction, and nearly choked on his tongue. Major
Westwasstandingbythewall,dressedtofenceandwatchinghimapproachwith
anunusuallygrimexpression.Foraninstant,Jezalwonderedifhisfriendmight
beabletotellwhathehadbeenthinking.Heswallowedguiltily,felttheblood
rushingtohisface.Westcouldn’tknow,hecouldn’t.Buthewasmostunhappy
aboutsomething.
“Luthar,”hegrunted.
“West.”Jezalstareddownathisshoes.Theyhadnotbeengettingontoowell
sinceWestjoinedLordMarshalBurrsstaff.Jezaltriedtobehappyforhim,but
could not escape the feeling that he was better qualified for the post. He had
excellent blood after all, whether he had experience in the field or not. Then
Ardee was still lurking between them, that unpleasant and needless warning.
EveryoneknewthatWesthadbeenfirstthroughthebreachatUlrioch.Everyone
knew that he had the devil of a temper. That had always seemed exciting to
Jezal,untilhegotonthewrongendofit.
“Varuz is waiting.” West unfolded his arms and strode off towards the
archway,“andhe’snotalone.”
“Notalone?”
“TheMarshalfeelsyouneedtogetusedtoanaudience.”
Jezalfrowned.“I’msurprisedanyonecaresinthepresentclimate,whatwith
thewarandall.”
“You’d be surprised. Fighting and fencing and all things martial are very
muchtheflavour.Everyone’swearingaswordthesedays,evenifthey’venever
drawn one in their lives. There’s an absolute fever about the Contest, believe
me.”
Jezalblinked as theypassedinto thebrightcourtyard. Astandoftemporary
seating had been hastily erected along one wall, packed from one end to the
otherwithpeople,threescoreormore.
“And here he is!” shouted Marshal Varuz. There was a ripple of polite
applause.Jezalfelthimselfgrinning—thereweresomeveryimportantpeoplein
amongstthecrowd.HespottedMarovia,theLordHighJustice,strokinghislong
beard. Lord Isher was not far away from him, looking slightly bored. Crown
Prince Ladisla himself was lounging on the front row, shining in a shirt of
gossamer chain-mail and clapping enthusiastically. The people on the benches
behindhadtoleanovertoseeroundthewavingplumeonhismagnificenthat.
VaruzhandedJezalhissteels,stillbeaming.“Don’tyoudaremakemelooka
fool!”he hissed. Jezalcoughednervously, lookingupat the rowsofexpectant
people.Hisheartsank.InquisitorGlokta’stoothlessgrinleeredathimfromthe
crowd, and on the row behind him… Ardee West. She was wearing an
expression that she never had in his daydreams: one third sullen, one third
accusing,onethirdsimplybored.Heglancedaway,staringtowardtheopposite
wall,inwardlycursinghisowncowardice.Heseemedunabletomeetanyone’s
eyethesedays.
“This bout will be fought with half-edged steels!” thundered the Lord
Marshal. “The best of three touches!” West already had his swords drawn and
wasmakinghiswaytothecircle,markedoutwithwhitechalkinthecarefully
shavedgrass.Jezal’sheartwashammeringloudashefumbledhisownsteelsout
of their sheaths, acutely aware of all those eyes upon him. He took his mark
oppositeWest,pushinghisfeetcautiouslyintothegrass.Westraisedhissteels,
Jezaldidthesame.Theyfacedeachotherforamoment,motionless.
“Begin!”shoutedVaruz.
ItquicklybecameclearthatWesthadnomindtorolloverforhim.Hecame
onwithmorethanhisusualferocity,harryingJezalwithaflurryofheavycuts,
their steels clashing and scraping rapidly together. He gave ground, still
uncomfortable under the watchful eyes of all those people, damned important
people some of them, but as West pushed him back towards the edge of the
circle,hisnervesbegantofade,histrainingtookover.Heduckedaway,making
roomforhimself,parryingthecutswithleftandright,dodginganddancing,too
fasttocatch.
The people faded, even Ardee was gone. The blades moved by themselves,
back and forth, up and down. There was no need for him to look at them. He
turnedhisattentiontoWestseyes,watchedthemflickerfromthegroundtothe
steelstoJezal’sdancingfeet,tryingtoguesshisintentions.
Hefeltthelungecomingevenbeforeitwasbegun.Hefeintedonewaythen
turnedtheother,slippingsmoothlyroundbehindWest asheblunderedpast.It
was a simple matter for him to apply his foot to the seat of his opponent’s
trousersandshovehimoutofthecircle.
“Atouch!”shoutedMarshalVaruz.
TherewasarippleoflaughterastheMajorsprawledonhisface.“Atouchon
the arse!” guffawed the Crown Prince, his plume waving back and forth with
merriment.“OnetoCaptainLuthar!”Westdidn’tlookhalfsointimidatingwith
his face in the dirt. Jezal gave a little bow to the audience, risked a smile in
Ardee’sdirectionasherose.Hewasdisappointedtoseeshewasn’tevenlooking
athim.Shewaswatchingherbrotherstruggleinthedustwithafaint,cruelgrin.
Westgotslowlytohisfeet.“Agoodtouch,”hemutteredthroughgrittedteeth
as he stepped back into the circle. Jezal took his own mark, barely able to
suppresshissmile.
“Begin!”shoutedVaruz.
West came on strongly again, but Jezal was warming to his task now. The
soundsoftheaudiencemutteredandswelledashedancedthiswayandthat.He
began to work the odd flourish into his movements, and the onlookers
responded,“oohs”and“aahs”floatingupasheflickedWest’seffortsaway.He
had never fenced so well, never moved so smoothly. The bigger man was
starting to tire a little, the snap was going out of his cuts. Their long steels
clashedtogether,scraped.JezaltwistedhisrightwristandtoreWest’sbladefrom
hisfingers,steppedinandslashedathimwithhisleft.
“Gah!”Westwincedanddroppedhisshortsteel,hoppingawayandgrabbing
hisforearm.Afewdropsofbloodpatteredacrosstheground.
“Twotonothing!”shoutedVaruz.
TheCrownPrincejumpedup,hishattumblingoff,delightedbythesightof
blood. “Excellent!” he squawked, “capital!” Others joined him on their feet,
clapping loudly. Jezal basked in their approval, smiling wide, every muscle
tinglingwithhappiness.Heunderstoodnowwhathehadbeentrainingfor.
“Well fought, Jezal,” muttered West, a trickle of blood running down his
forearm.“You’vegottoogoodforme.”
“Sorryaboutthecut.”Jezalgrinned.Hewasn’tsorryintheleast.
“It’s nothing. Just a scratch.” West strode away, frowning and holding his
wrist.Nobodypaidmuchattentiontohisexit,Jezalleastofall.Sportingevents
areallaboutthewinners.
Lord Marovia was the first to get up from the benches and offer his
congratulations. “What a promising young man,” he said, smiling warmly at
Jezal,“butdoyouthinkhecanbeatBremerdanGorst?”
VaruzgaveJezalafatherlyclapontheshoulder.“I’msurehecanbeatanyone,
ontherightday”
“Hmm.HaveyouseenGorstfence?”
“No,thoughIhearheismostimpressive.”
“Oh,indeed—heisadevil.”TheHighJusticeraisedhisbushyeyebrows.“I
lookforwardtoseeingthemmeet.Haveyoueverconsideredacareerinthelaw,
CaptainLuthar?”
Jezalwastakenbysurprise.“Er,no,yourWorship,thatis…Iamasoldier.”
“Ofcourseyouare.Butbattlesandsoforthcanplayhellwiththenerves.If
youshouldeverchangeyourmind,perhapsImighthaveaplaceforyou.Ican
alwaysfindauseforpromisingmen.”
“Er,thankyou.”
“UntiltheContestthen.Goodluck,Captain,”hethrewoverhisshoulderashe
shuffledaway.TheimplicationwasthathethoughtJezalwouldneedagreatdeal
ofit.HisHighnessPrinceLadislawasmoreoptimistic.
“You’re my man, Luthar!” he shouted, poking the air with his fingers as
thoughtheywerefencingsteels.“I’mgoingtodoublemybetonyou!”
Jezalbowedobsequiously.“YourHighnessistookind.”
“You’remyman!Asoldier!Afencingmanshouldfightforhiscountry,eh,
Varuz?Whyisn’tthisGorstasoldier?”
“I believe he is, your Highness,” said the Lord Marshal gently. “He is a
kinsmanofLordBrock,andserveswithhispersonalguard.”
“Oh.”ThePrinceseemedconfusedfor amoment, butsoon perkedup. “But
you’re my man!” he shouted at Jezal, poking once more with his fingers, the
featheronhishatwavingthiswayandthat.“You’rethemanforme!”Hedanced
offtowardsthearchway,decorativechain-mailgleaming.
“Veryimpressive.”Jezalwhippedround,tookanungainlystepback.Glokta,
leering at him from his blind side. For a cripple, he had an uncanny knack of
sneakinguponaman.“Whatahappychanceforeveryonethatyoudidn’tgiveit
upafterall.”
“Ineverhadanyintentionofdoingso,”snappedJezalfrostily.
Gloktasuckedathisgums.“Ifyousayso,Captain.”
“Ido.”Jezalturnedrudelyaway,hopingthatheneverhadoccasiontospeak
totheloathsomemanagain.HefoundhimselfstaringstraightintoArdee’sface,
nomorethanafootaway.
“Gah,”hestammered,steppingbackagain.
“Jezal,”shesaid,“Ihaven’tseenyouinawhile.”
“Er…”Heglancednervouslyaround.Gloktawasshamblingaway.Westwas
long gone. Varuz was busy holding forth to Lord Isher and a few others still
remaininginthecourtyard.Theywereunobserved.Hehadtospeaktoher.He
oughttotellherstraightoutthathecouldnotseeheranymore.Heowedherthat
much.“Er…”
“Nothingtosaytome?”
“Er…”Heturnedswiftlyonhisheelandwalkedaway,hisshouldersprickling
withshame.
Thetediumofguarddutyatthesouthgateseemed,afterallthatunexpected
excitement,almostamercy.Jezalwasquitelookingforwardtostandingidlyby,
watchingpeoplefileinandout ofthe Agriont,listening toLieutenantKaspa’s
mindlessbabble.Atleast,hewasuntilhegotthere.
Kaspaandtheusualcomplementofarmouredsoldierswereclusteredaround
the outer gates, where the old bridge across the moat passed between the two
massive,whiterenderedtowersofthegatehouse.AsJezalmarcheddowntothe
end of the long tunnel he saw that there was someone with them. A small,
harassed-looking fellow wearing spectacles. Jezal recognised him vaguely.
Morrowhewascalled,somecronyoftheLordChamberlain.Hehadnoreason
tobehere.
“Captain Luthar, what a happy chance!” Jezal jumped. It was that lunatic,
Sulfur,sittingcross-leggedonthegroundbehindhim,hisbackagainstthesheer
wallofthegatehouse.
“Whatthehell’shedoing here?”snapped Jezal.Kaspa openedhis mouthto
speak,butSulfurgotinfirst.
“Don’tmindme,Captain,I’msimplywaitingformymaster.”
“Yourmaster?”Hedreadedtothinkwhatmannerofanidiotthisidiotmight
serve.
“Indeed.Heshouldbehereveryshortly.”Sulfurfrownedupatthesun.“Heis
alreadysomewhattardy,ifthetruthbetold.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” The madman broke into a friendly smile once more. “But he’ll be
along,Jezal,youcandependonit.”
First-nametermswastoomuchtotake.Hehardlyknewtheman,andwhathe
knewhedidn’tlike.Heopenedhismouthtogivehimapieceofhismind,but
Sulfur suddenly jumped up, grabbing his stick from the wall and brushing
himselfdown.
“Here they are!” he said, looking out across the moat. Jezal followed the
idiot’seyeswithhisown.
Amagnificentoldmanwasstridingpurposefullyacrossthebridge,baldhead
heldhigh,afabulousgownofshimmeringredandsilverflowingabouthimin
thebreeze.Athisheelscameasickly-lookingyouth,headalittlebowedasifin
aweoftheolderman,holdingalongstaffoutbeforehiminupturnedpalms.A
greatbruteofamaninaheavyfurcloakfollowedbehindthem,agoodhalfhead
tallerthantheothertwo.
“What the…” Jezal trailed off. He seemed to recognise the old man from
somewhere. Some lord perhaps, from the Open Council? Some foreign
ambassador?Certainlyhehadanairofmajesty.Jezalrackedhisbrainsasthey
approached,butcouldnotplacehim.
Theoldmanstoppedbeforethegatehouse,sweptJezal,Kaspa,Morrowand
theguardsimperiouslywithglitteringgreeneyes.“Yoru,”hesaid.
Sulfur stepped forward, bowing low. “Master Bayaz,” he murmured, in
hushedtonesofdeeprespect.
And that was it. That was why Jezal knew the man. He bore a definite
resemblance to the statue of Bayaz in the Kingsway. The statue Jezal had run
past so many times. A little fatter perhaps, but that expression: stern, wise,
effortlesslycommanding,wasjustthesame.Jezalfrowned.Fortheoldmanto
be called by that name? He didn’t like it. He didn’t like the look of the lanky
young man with the staff either. He liked the look of the old man’s other
companionevenless.
WesthadoftentoldJezalthattheNorthmenfoundinAdua,usuallyskulking
dishevelledbythedocksordirtydrunkingutters,werebynomeanstypicalof
their people. Those that lived free in the far North, fighting, feuding, feasting,
anddoingwhateverNorthmendid,wereofquiteadifferentkind.Atall,fierce,
handsome people, Jezal had always imagined, with a touch of romance about
them. Strong, yet graceful. Wild, yet noble. Savage, yet cunning. The kind of
menwhoseeyesarefixedalwaysonthefarhorizon.
Thiswasnotoneofthose.
NeverinhislifehadJezalseenamorebrutish-lookingman.EvenFenristhe
Fearedhadseemedcivilisedbycomparison.Hisfacewaslikeawhippedback,
criss-crossedwithraggedscars.
Hisnosewasbent,pointingoffalittlesideways.Oneearhadabignotchout
ofit,one eye seemed atouchhigher than the other,surroundedby a crescent-
shaped wound. His whole face, in fact, was slightly beaten, broken, lop-sided,
likethatofaprizefighterwhohasfoughtafewboutstoomany.Hisexpression
too, was that of one punch-drunk. He gawped up at the gatehouse, forehead
furrowed, mouth hanging open, staring about him with a look of near animal
stupidity.
Heworealongfurcloak,andaleathertunicsetwithgold,butthisheightof
barbaricsplendouronlymadehimlookmoresavage,andtherewasnomissing
the long, heavy sword at his belt. The Northman scratched at a big pink scar
throughthestubbleonhischeekashepeeredupatthesheerwallsabove,and
Jezalnoticedoneofhisfingerswasmissing.Asthoughanyfurtherevidenceofa
lifeofviolenceandsavagerywasnecessary.
ToletthishulkingprimitiveintotheAgriont?Whiletheywereatwarwiththe
Northmen?Itwasunthinkable!ButMorrowwasalreadysidlingforward.“The
Lord Chamberlain is expecting you, gentlemen,” he gushed as he bowed and
scrapedhiswaytowardstheoldman,“ifyouwouldcaretofollowme—”
“One moment.” Jezal grabbed the under-secretary by the elbow and pulled
himaside.“Himtoo?”heaskedincredulously,noddingoverattheprimitivein
thecloak.“Weareatwar,youknow!”
“Lord Hoff was most specific!” Morrow shook his arm free, spectacles
flashing. “Keep him here if you wish, but you can explain it to the Lord
Chamberlain!”
Jezalswallowed.Thatideawasnotatallappealing.Heglancedupattheold
man,butcouldnotlookhimintheeyeforlong.Hehadamysteriousair,anair
ofknowingsomethingnooneelsecouldguess,anditwasmostunsettling.
“You… must… leave… your… weapons… here!” he shouted, speaking as
slowlyandclearlyaspossible.
“Happyto.”TheNorthmanpulledtheswordfromhisbeltandhelditout.It
weighed heavily in Jezal’s hands: a big, plain, brutal-looking weapon. He
followeditwithalongknife, then knelt and pulled another from his boot. He
took a third from the small of his back, and then produced a thin blade from
inside his sleeve, heaping them into Jezal’s outstretched arms. The Northman
smiled broadly. It was truly a hideous sight, the ragged scars twisting and
puckering,makinghisfacemorelopsidedthanever.
“Youcanneverhavetoomanyknives,”hegrowledinadeep,grindingvoice.
Nobodylaughed,buthedidnotseemtocare.
“Shallwego?”askedtheoldman.
“Withoutdelay,”saidMorrow,turningtoleave.
“I’ll come with you.” Jezal dumped his armload of weapons into Kaspa’s
hands.
“Thatreallyisn’tnecessary,Captain,”whinedMorrow.
“I insist.” Once he was delivered to the Lord Chamberlain, the Northman
could murder whomever he pleased: it would be someone else’s problem. But
untilhegotthereJezalmightbeblamedforwhatevermischiefhegotupto,and
hewasdamnedifhewasgoingtoletthathappen.
The guards stood aside, the strange procession passed through the gate.
Morrowwasfirst,whisperingobsequiousnothingsoverhisshouldertotheold
man in the splendid robe. The pale youth was next, followed by Sulfur. The
nine-fingeredNorthmanlumberedalongattheback.
Jezalfollowedwithhisthumbinhisbelt,closetothehiltofhisswordsohe
couldgettoitquickly,watchingthesavageintentlyforanysuddenmoves.After
following him for a short while though, Jezal had to admit, the man gave no
appearanceofhavingmurderinmind.Ifanythinghelookedcurious,bemused,
andsomewhatembarrassed.Hekeptslowing,staringupatthebuildingsaround
him,shakinghishead,scratchinghisface,mutteringunderhisbreath.Hewould
occasionallyhorrifypassers-bybysmilingatthem,butheseemedtopresentno
greaterthreatandJezalbegantorelax,atleastuntiltheyreachedtheSquareof
Marshals.
The Northman stopped suddenly. Jezal fumbled for his sword, but the
primitive’s eyes were locked ahead, gazing at a fountain nearby. He moved
slowlytowardsit,thencautiouslyraisedathickfingerandpokedattheglittering
jet.Watersplashedintohisfaceandheblunderedaway,almostknockingJezal
down.“Aspring?”hewhispered.“Buthow?”
Mercy.Themanwaslikeachild.Asixandahalffootchildwithafacelikea
butchers block. “There are pipes!” Jezal stamped on the paving. “Beneath…
the…ground!”
“Pipes,”echoedtheprimitivequietly,staringatthefrothingwater.
Theothershadmovedsomewayahead,closetothegrandbuildinginwhich
Hoffhadhisoffices.Jezalbegantostepawayfromthefountain,hopingtodraw
thewitlesssavagewithhim.ToJezal’sreliefhefollowed,shakinghisheadand
muttering“pipes”tohimself,overandover.
Theyentered thecool darknessof theLordChamberlain’sante-room.There
were people seated on the benches around the walls, some of them giving the
impressionofhavingbeenwaitingaverylongtime.TheyallstaredasMorrow
usheredthepeculiargroupstraightintoHoffsoffices.Thespectacledsecretary
openedtheheavydoubledoorsandstoodbywhilefirsttheoldbaldman,then
hiscronywiththestick,thenthemadmanSulfur,andfinallythenine-fingered
primitivewalkedinpasthim.
Jezalmadetofollowthem,butMorrowstoodinthedoorwayandblockedhis
path. “Thank you so much for your help, Captain,” he said with a thin smile.
“You may return to the gate.” Jezal peered over his shoulder into the room
beyond. He saw the Lord Chamberlain frowning behind a long table. Arch
Lector Sult was beside him, grim and suspicious. High Justice Marovia was
theretoo,asmileonhiswrinkledface.ThreemembersoftheClosedCouncil.
ThenMorrowshutthedoorinhisface.
Next
“Inoticeyouhaveanewsecretary,”saidGlokta,asthoughjustinpassing.
The Arch Lector smiled. “Of course. The old one was not to my liking. He
had a loose tongue, you know.” Glokta paused, his wine glass halfway to his
mouth. “He had been passing our secrets on to the Mercers,” continued Sult
carelessly, as if it was common knowledge. “I had been aware of it for some
time.Youneedn’tworrythough,heneverlearnedanythingIdidn’twanthimto
know.”
Then… you knew who our traitor was. You knew all along. Glokta’s mind
turnedtheeventsofthelastfewweeksaround,pulledthemapartandputthem
backtogetherinthisnewlight,tryingthemdifferentwaysuntiltheyfit,allthe
while struggling to conceal his surprise. You left Rews confession where you
knewyoursecretarywouldseeit.YouknewtheMercerswouldfindoutwhowas
onthelist,andyouguessedwhattheywoulddo,knowingitwouldonlyplayinto
your hands and give you the shovel with which to bury them. Meanwhile, you
steered my suspicions towards Kalyne when you knew who the leak was all
along.Thewholebusinessunfoldedpreciselyaccordingtoyourplan.TheArch
Lectorwaslookingbackathimwithaknowingsmile.AndIbetyouguesswhat
I’mthinkingrightnow.Ihavebeenalmostasmuchapieceinthisgameasthat
snivellingwormofasecretary.Gloktastifledagiggle.Howfortunateformethat
Iwasapieceontherightside.Ineversuspectedathing.
“Hebetrayedusfor adisappointingly smallsum ofmoney,”continuedSult,
hislipcurlingwithdistaste.“IdaresayKaultwouldhavegivenhimtentimesas
much,ifhehadonlyhadthewittoask.Theyoungergenerationreallyhaveno
ambition. They think they are a great deal cleverer than they are.” He studied
Glokta with his cool blue eyes. I am part of the younger generation, more or
less.Iamjustlyhumbled.
“Yoursecretaryhasbeendisciplined?”
The Arch Lector placed his glass carefully down on the table top, the base
barely making a sound on the wood. “Oh yes. Most severely. It really isn’t
necessarytosparehimanyfurtherthought.”Ibetitisn’t.Bodyfoundfloatingby
the docks… “I must say, I was greatly surprised when you fixed on Superior
Kalyne as the source of our leak. The man was from the old guard. A few
indulgencestolooktheotherwayovertriflingmatters,ofcourse,buttobetray
theInquisition?To sell our secrets totheMercers?”Sult snorted. “Never.You
allowedyourpersonaldislikeforthemantocloudyourjudgement.”
“Heseemedtheonlypossibility,”mutteredGlokta,butimmediatelyregretted
it.Foolish,foolish.Themistakeismade.Betterjusttokeepyourmouthshut.
“Seemed?”TheArchLectorclickedhistongueinprofounddisapproval.“No,
no,no,Inquisitor.Seemedisnotgoodenoughforus.Infuture,we’llhavejust
the facts, if you please. But don’t feel too badly about it—I allowed you to
follow your instincts and, as things have turned out, your blunder has left our
positionmuchthestronger.Kalynehasbeenremovedfromoffice,”Bodyfound
floating…“andSuperiorGoyleisonhiswayfromAnglandtoassumetheroleof
SuperiorofAdua.”
Goyle?Cominghere?Thatbastard,thenewSuperiorofAdua?Gloktacould
notpreventhislipfromcurling.
“Thetwoofyouarenotthegreatestoffriends,eh,Glokta?”
“Heisajailer,notaninvestigator.Heisnotinterestedinguiltorinnocence.
Heisnotinterestedintruth.Hetorturesforthethrillofit.”
“Oh, come now, Glokta. Are you telling me you feel no thrill when your
prisoners spill their secrets? When they name the names? When they sign the
confession?”
“Itakenopleasureinit.”Itakenopleasureinanything.
“Andyetyoudoitsoverywell.Inanycase,Goyleiscoming,andwhatever
you may think of him, he is one of us. A most capable and trustworthy man,
dedicatedtotheserviceofcrownandstate.Hewasoncea pupilofmine, you
know.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He had your job… so there is some future in it after all!” The Arch
Lectorgiggledathisownjoke.Gloktagaveathinsmileofhisown.“Allinall,
thingshaveworkedoutverynicely,andyouaretobecongratulatedonyourpart
init.Ajobwelldone.”WellenoughdonethatIamstillalive,atleast.Sultraised
hisglassandtheydrankajoylesstoasttogether,eyeingeachothersuspiciously
overtherimsoftheirglasses.
Glokta cleared his throat. “Magister Kault mentioned something interesting
beforehisunfortunatedemise.”
“Goon.”
“The Mercers had a partner in their schemes. A senior partner, perhaps. A
bank.”
“Huh.Turnamerchantoverandthere’salwaysabankerunderneath.Whatof
it?”
“I believe these bankers knew about it all. The smuggling, the fraud, the
murderseven.Ibelievetheyencouragedit,maybeorderedit,sothattheycould
getagoodreturnontheirloans.MayIbeginaninvestigation,yourEminence?”
“Whichbank?”
“ValintandBalk.”
TheArchLectorseemedtoconsideramoment,staringatGloktathroughhis
hard,blueeyes.Doeshealreadyknowabouttheseparticularbankers?Doeshe
already know much more than me? What did Kault say? You want traitors,
Glokta?LookintheHouseofQuestions
“No,” snapped Sult. “Those particular bankers are well connected. They are
owedtoomanyfavours,andwithoutKaultitwillbedifficulttoproveanything.
WegotwhatweneededfromtheMercers,andIhaveamorepressingtaskfor
you.”
Gloktalookedup.Anothertask?“Iwaslookingforwardtointerviewingthe
prisonerswetookattheGuildhall,yourEminence,itmaybethat—”
“No.” The Arch Lector swatted Glokta’s words away with his gloved hand.
“That business could drag on for months. I will have Goyle handle it.” He
frowned.“Unlessyouobject?”
So I plough the field, sow the seed, water the crop, then Goyle reaps the
harvest? Some justice. He humbly bowed his head. “Of course not, your
Eminence.”
“Good. You are probably aware of the unusual visitors we received
yesterday.”
Visitors?ForthepastweekGloktahadbeeninagonywithhisback.Yesterday
hehadstruggledoutofbedtowatchthatcretinLutharfence,butotherwisehe
hadbeenconfinedtohistinyroom,virtuallyunabletomove.“Ihadn’tnoticed,”
hesaidsimply.
“Bayaz,theFirstoftheMagi.”Gloktagavehisthinsmileagain,buttheArch
Lectorwasnotlaughing.
“You’rejoking,ofcourse.”
“Ifonly.”
“Acharlatan,yourEminence?”
“What else? But a most extraordinary one. Lucid, reasonable, clever. The
deceptioniselaborateintheextreme.”
“Youhavespokenwithhim?”
“Ihave.He isremarkablyconvincing.Heknowsthings,thingsheshouldn’t
know.Hecannotbesimplydismissed.Whoeverheis,hehasfunding,andgood
sourcesofinformation.”TheArchLectorfrowneddeep.“Hehassomerenegade
bruteofaNorthmanwithhim.”
Gloktafrowned.“ANorthman?Ithardlyseemstheirstyle.Theystrikemeas
mostdirect.”
“Myverythoughts.”
“AspyfortheEmperorthen?TheGurkish?”
“Perhaps. The Kantics love a good intrigue, but they tend to stick to the
shadows.Thesetheatricalsdon’tseemtohavetheirmark.Isuspectouranswer
maylieclosertohome.”
“Thenobles,yourEminence?Brock?Isher?Heugen?”
“Perhaps,”musedSult,“perhaps.They’reannoyedenough.Orthere’sourold
friend,theHighJustice.Heseemedalittletoopleasedaboutitall.He’splotting
something,Icantell.”
Thenobles,theHighJustice,theNorthmen,theGurkish—itcouldbeanyone
ofthem,ornone—butwhy?“Idon’tunderstand,ArchLector.Iftheyaresimply
spies, why go to all this trouble? Surely there are easier ways to get into the
Agriont?”
“This is the thing.” Sult gave as bitter a grimace as Glokta had ever seen.
“There is an empty seat on the Closed Council, there always has been. A
pointlesstradition,amatterofetiquette,achairreservedforamythicalfigure,in
anycasedeadforhundredsofyears.Nobodyeversupposedthatanyonewould
comeforwardtoclaimit.”
“Buthehas?”
“He has! He has demanded it!” The Arch Lector got to his feet and strode
aroundthetable.“Iknow!Unthinkable!Somespy,someliarfromwhoknows
where, privy to the workings of the very heart of our government! But he has
somedustypapers,soitfallstoustodiscredithim!Canyoubelieveit?”
Gloktacouldnot.Buttherehardlyseemsanypurposetosayingso.
“Ihaveaskedfortimetoinvestigate,”continuedSult,“buttheClosedCouncil
willnotbeputoffindefinitely.Wehaveonlyaweekortwotoexposethisso-
calledMagusforthefraudheis.Inthemeantime,heandhiscompanionsare
making themselves at home in an excellent suite of rooms in the Tower of
Chains,andthereisnothingwecandotopreventthemwanderingtheAgriont,
causingwhatevermischieftheyplease!”Thereissomethingwecoulddo…
“TheTowerofChainsisveryhigh.Ifsomebodyweretofall—”
“No.Notyet.Wehavealreadypushedourluckasfarasitwillgoincertain
circles.Forthetimebeingatleast,wemusttreadcarefully.”
“Thereisalwaysthepossibilityofaninterrogation.Ifweweretoarrestthem,
Icouldsoonfindoutwhotheyareworkingfor—”
“Treadcarefully,Isaid!IwantyoutolookintothisMagus,Glokta,andhis
companions.Findoutwhotheyare,wheretheycomefrom,whattheyareafter.
Aboveall,findoutwhoisbehindthem,andwhy.Wemustdiscreditthiswould-
beBayazbeforehecandoanydamage.Afterthatyoucanusewhatevermeans
youplease.”Sultturnedandmovedawaytothewindow.
Gloktagotupawkwardly,painfullyfromhischair.“HowshallIbegin?”
“Followthem!”shoutedtheArchLectorimpatiently.“Watchthem!Seewho
theyspeakto,whattheyareabout.You’retheInquisitor,Glokta!”hesnapped,
withoutevenlookinground.“Asksomequestions!”
BetterthanDeath
“We’re looking for a woman,” said the officer, staring at them suspiciously.
“Anescapedslave,akiller.Verydangerous.”
“A woman, master?” asked Yulwei, his brow wrinkled with confusion.
“Dangerous,master?”
“Yes,awoman!”Theofficerwavedhis handimpatiently.“Tall,with ascar,
haircroppedshort.Well-armed,mostlikely,withabow.”Ferrostoodthere,tall
andscarred,haircroppedshort,bowoverhershoulder,andlookeddownatthe
dusty ground. “She is wanted, by the highest of authorities! A thief and a
murderer,manytimesover!”
Yulwei gave a humble smile and spread his hands. “We have seen no such
personmaster.Iandmysonareunarmed,asyoucansee.”Ferrolookeddown
uncomfortablyatthecurvedbladeoftheswordstuckthroughherbelt,shiningin
thebrightsun.Theofficerdidn’tseemtonoticethough.Heswattedataflyas
Yulwei blathered on. “Neither one of us would know what to do with such a
thingasabow,Icanassureyou.WetrustinGodtoprotectus,master,andinthe
Emperorsmatchlesssoldiers.”
Theofficersnorted.“Verywise,oldman.What’syourbusinesshere?”
“Iamamerchant,onmywaytoDagoska,topurchasespices,”andhegavea
grovellingbow,“withyourkindpermission.”
“Tradingwiththepinksareyou?DamnUnion!”Theofficerspatinthedust.
“Still,amanhastomakealiving,Isuppose,ifashamefulone.Tradewhileyou
can,thepinkswillbegonesoon,sweptbackintotheocean!”Hepuffedouthis
chestwithpride.“The Emperor, Uthman-ul-Dosht, has sworn it! What doyou
thinkofthat,oldman?”
“Oh,itwillbeagreatday,agreatday,”saidYulwei,bowinglowagain,“may
Godbringittoussoon,master!”
TheofficerlookedFerroupanddown.“Yoursonlooksastronglad.Perhaps
he’dmakeasoldier.”Hetookasteptowardsherandgrabbedholdofherbare
arm.“That’sastrongarm.Thatarmcoulddrawabow,I’dsay,ifitweretaught.
Whatdoyou say,boy?Aman’swork, fightingforthegloryofGod, andyour
Emperor!Betterthangrubbingforapittance!”Ferro’sfleshcrawledwherehis
fingerstouchedherskin.Herotherhandcrepttowardsherknife.
“Alas,” said Yulwei quickly, “my son was born… simple. He scarcely
speaks.”
“Ah.Ashame.Thetimemaycomewhenweneedeveryman.Savagesthey
maybe,butthesepinkscanfight.”TheofficerturnedawayandFerroscowled
afterhim.“Verywell,youmaygo!”Hewavedthemon.Theeyesofhissoldiers,
lounging in the shade of the palms around the road, followed them as they
walkedpast,butwithoutmuchinterest.
Ferro held her tongue until the encampment had dwindled into the distance
behindthem,thensheroundedonYulwei.“Dagoska?”
“Tobeginwith,”saidtheoldman,staringoffacrossthescrubbyplain.“And
thennorth.”
“North?”
“AcrosstheCircleSeatoAdua.”
Acrossthesea?Shestoppedintheroad.“I’mnotfuckinggoingthere!”
“Must you make everything so difficult, Ferro? Are you that happy here in
Gurkhul?”
“These northerners are mad, everyone knows it! Pinks, Union, or whatever.
Mad!Godless!”
Yulwei raised an eyebrow at her. “I didn’t know you were so interested in
God,Ferro.”
“AtleastIknowthereisone!”sheshouted,pointingatthesky.“Thesepinks,
theydon’tthinklikeus,likerealpeople!We’venobusinesswiththeirkind!I’d
ratherstayamongtheGurkish!Besides,I’vescorestosettlehere.”
“Whatscores?GoingtokillUthman?”
Shefrowned.“PerhapsIwill.”
“Huh.”Yulweiturnedandheadedoffuptheroad.“They’relookingforyou,
Ferro,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.Youwouldn’tgettenstrideswithoutmyhelp.
They’vestillgotthatcagewaiting,remember?Theoneinfrontofthepalace?
Theyareanxioustofillit.”Ferrogroundherteeth.“UthmanistheEmperornow.
Ul-Dosht, they call him. The mighty! The merciless! Greatest Emperor for a
hundredyears, theyare sayingalready.Killthe Emperor!”Yulweichuckledto
himself.“You’requiteacharacteralright.Quiteacharacter.”
Ferroscowledasshefollowedtheoldmanupthehill.Shewasn’tlookingto
be anyone’s character. Yulwei could make these soldiers see whatever he
pleased,andthatwasasmarttrick,butshe’dbedamnedifshewasgoingnorth.
Whatbusinessdidshehavewiththosegodlesspinks?
Yulwei was still chuckling away as she drew level with him. “Kill the
Emperor.”Heshookhishead.“He’lljusthavetowaituntilyougetback.You
oweme,remember?”
Ferrograbbedhimbythesinewyarm.“Idon’trememberyousayinganything
aboutcrossingthesea!”
“Idon’trememberyourasking,Maljinn,andyoushouldbegladyoudidn’t!”
Hepeeledherfingersgentlyaway.“Yourcorpsemightbedryingnicelyinthe
desert, instead of grumbling in my ear, all sleek and healthy—think on that a
while.”
Thatshutherupforthetimebeing.Shewalkedalonginsilence,scowlingout
acrossthescrubbylandscape,sandalscrunchingonthedrydirtoftheroad.She
lookedsidelongattheoldman.He’dsavedherlifewithhistricks,thatcouldn’t
bedenied.
Butshe’dbedamnedifshewasgoingnorth.
Thefortresswasconcealedinarockycove,butfromwheretheywere,high
uponthebluffwiththefiercesunbehindthem,Ferrocouldseetheshapeofit
well enough. A high wall enclosed neat rows of buildings, enough to make a
small town. Next to the them, built out into the water, were long wharves.
Mooredtothewharveswereships.
Hugeships.
Towersofwood,floatingfortresses.Ferrohadneverseenshipshalfthatsize.
Theirmastswereadarkforestagainstthebrightwaterbehind.Tenweredocked
belowthem,andfurtheroutinthebaytwomorewerecuttingslowlythroughthe
waves,greatsailsbillowing,tinyfigurescrawlingonthedecksandinamongst
thespiderswebofropesabove.
“Iseetwelve,”murmuredYulwei,“butyoureyesarethesharper.”
Ferro looked out across the water. Further round the curving shore, twenty
miles away perhaps, she could see another fortress, another set of wharves.
“Therearemoreoverthere,”shesaid,“eightornine,andthoseonesarebigger.”
“Biggerthanthese?”
“Alotbigger.”
“God’sbreath!”mutteredYulweitohimself.“TheGurkishneverbuiltshipsso
big before, not half so big, nor half so many. There is not the wood in all the
South for such a fleet. They must have bought it from the north, from the
Styrians,maybe.”
Ferrocarednothingforboats,orwood,orthenorth.“So?”
“With a fleet this size, the Gurkish will be a power at sea. They could take
Dagoskafromthebay,invadeWestporteven.”
Thepointlessnamesoffar-awayplaces.“So?”
“You don’tunderstand, Ferro. I mustwarntheothers.We mustmakehaste,
now!”Hepushedhimselfupfromthegroundandhurriedbacktowardstheroad.
Ferrogrunted.Shewatchedthebigwoodentubsmovingbackandforthinthe
bayforamomentlonger,thenshegotupandfollowedYulwei.Greatshipsor
tinyships,itmeantnothingtoher.TheGurkishcouldtakeallthepinksinthe
worldforslavesasfarasshewasconcerned.
Ifthatmeanttheylefttherealpeoplealone.
“Out of the way!” The soldier spurred his horse right at them, raising his
whip.
“A thousand pardons, master!” whined Yulwei, grovelling to the ground,
scuttling off into the grass beside the road, pulling Ferro reluctantly by the
elbow. She stood in the scrub, watching the column shamble slowly by. Thin
figures, ragged, dirty, vacant, hands bound tightly, hollow eyes on the ground.
Menandwomen, all ages, children even.A hundred or more.Sixguards rode
alongsidethem,easyintheirtallsaddles,whipsrolledupintheirhands.
“Slaves.”Ferrolickedherdrylips.
“ThepeopleofKadirhaverisenup,”saidYulwei,frowningatthemiserable
procession.“TheywishednolongertobepartofthegloriousnationofGurkhul,
andthoughtthedeathoftheEmperormightbetheirchancetoleave.Itseems
theywerewrong.ThenewEmperorishardereventhanthelast,eh,Ferro?Their
rebellion has failed already. It seems your friend Uthman has taken slaves as
punishment.”
Ferro watched a scrawny girl limping slowly, bare feet trailing in the dust.
Thirteenyearsold?Itwashardtotell.Herfacewasdirtyandlistless.Therewas
a scabby cut across her forehead, others on the back of her arm. Whip marks.
Ferroswallowed,watchedthegirltoilingalong.Anoldman,justinfrontofher,
trippedandsprawledfacefirstintotheroad,makingthewholecolumnstumble
toahalt.
“Move!”barkedoneoftheriders,spurringhishorseforward.“Onyourfeet!”
Theoldmanstruggledinthedust.“Move!”Thesoldierswhipcracked,leaving
alongred mark across the man’s scrawny back. Ferrotwitchedandwinced at
thesound,andherbackbegantotingle.
Wherethescarswere.
Almostasifshe’dbeenwhippedherself.
NoonewhipsFerroMaljinnandlives.Notanymore.Sheshruggedthebow
offhershoulder.
“Peace,Ferro!”hissedYulwei,grabbingherbythearm.“There’snothingyou
candoforthem!”
Thegirlbentdown,helpingtheoldslavetohisfeet.Thewhipcrackedagain,
catchingthemboth,andtherewasayelpofpain.Wasitthegirlorthemanwho
hadcriedout?
OrhaditbeenFerroherself?
SheshookYulwei’shandoff,reachingforanarrow.“Icankillthisbastard!”
shesnarled.Thesoldiersheadsnappedroundtolookatthem,curious.Yulwei
seizedholdofherhand.
“Whatthen?”hehissed.“Ifyoukilledallsixofthem,whatthen?Haveyou
foodandwaterforahundredslaves?Eh?Youhaveitwellconcealed!Andwhen
the column is missed? Eh? And their guards found slaughtered? What then,
killer?Willyouhideahundredslavesouthere?BecauseIcannot!”
FerrostaredintoYulwei’sblackeyes,herteethgrindingtogether,herbreath
snortingfastthroughhernose.Shewonderedwhetherornottotryandkillhim
again.
No.
Hewasright,damnhim.Slowly,shepushedtheangerback,asfardownasit
wouldgo.Sheshovedthearrowaway,andturnedbacktowardsthecolumn.She
watched the old slave stumble on, and the girl after him, fury gnawing at her
gutslikehunger.
“You!”calledthesoldier,nudginghishorseovertowardsthem.
“You’ve done it now!” hissed Yulwei, then he bowed to the guard, smiling,
scraping.“Myapologiesmaster,mysonis…”
“Shut your mouth, old man!” The soldier looked down at Ferro from his
saddle.“Well,boy,doyoulikeher?”
“What?”shehissed,throughgrittedteeth.
“Noneedtobeshy,”chuckledthesoldier,“I’veseenyoulooking.”Heturned
towardsthecolumn.“Holdthemupthere!”heshouted,andtheslavesstumbled
to a halt. He leaned from his saddle and grabbed the scrawny girl under the
armpit,draggingherroughlyoutofthecolumn.
“She’sagoodone,”hesaid,pullinghertowardsFerro.“Bityoung,butshe’s
ready.Cleanupnice,shewill.Bitofalimpbutthat’llheal,we’vebeendriving
’em hard. Good teeth… show him your teeth, bitch!” The girl’s cracked lips
curledbackslowly.“Goodteeth.Whatdoyousayboy?Teningoldforher!It’s
agoodprice!”
Ferrostoodthere,staring.Thegirllookeddumblybackwithbig,deadeyes.
“Look,” said the soldier, leaning down from his saddle. “She’s worth twice
that,andthere’snodangerinit!WhenwegettoShaffa,I’lltellthemshedied
outhereinthedust.Noonewillwonderatthat,ithappensallthetime!Igetten,
andyousaveten!Everyonewins!”
Everyonewins.Ferrostaredupattheguard.Hepulledhishelmetoff,wiped
hisforeheadwiththebackofhishand.“Peace,Ferro,”whisperedYulwei.
“Alright, eight!” Shouted the soldier. “She’s got a nice smile! Show him a
smile, bitch!” The corner of the girl’s mouth twitched slightly. “There, see!
Eight,andyou’restealingfromme!”
Ferro’s fists were clenched, nails digging into her palms. “Peace, Ferro,”
whisperedYulwei,withawarningnoteinhisvoice.
“God’s teeth but you drive a bargain boy! Seven, and that’s my last offer.
Seven,damnit!”Thesoldierwavedhishelmetaroundinfrustration.“Useher
gently,infiveyearsshe’llbeworthmore!It’saninvestment!”
Thesoldiersfacewasjustafewfeetaway.Shecouldseeeachtinybeadof
sweatformingon his forehead, each stubbly hair onhischeeks,eachblemish,
nick,andporeonhisskin.Shecouldsmellhim,almost.
Thetrulythirstywilldrinkpiss,orsaltwater,oroil,howeverbadforthem,so
greatistheirneedtodrink.Ferrohadseenitofteninthebadlands.Thatwasthe
extent of her need to kill this man now. She wanted to tear him with her bare
hands,tochokethelifefromhim,toriphisfacewithherteeth.Thedesirewas
almosttoostrongtoresist.“Peace!”hissedYulwei.
“Ican’taffordher,”Ferroheardherselfsaying.
“Youmighthavesaidsobefore,boy,andsavedmethetrouble!”Thesoldier
stuck his helmet back on. “Still, I can’t blame you for looking. She’s a good
one.”Hereacheddownandgrabbed thegirlunder thearm,dragging herback
towardstheothers.“They’llgettwentyforherinShaffa!”heshoutedoverhis
shoulder. The column moved on. Ferro watched the girl until the slaves
disappearedoverarise,stumbling,limping,shamblingtowardsslavery.
She felt cold now, cold and empty. She wished she had killed the guard,
whateverthecost.Killinghimcouldhavefilledthatemptyspace,ifonlyfora
while.Thatwashowitworked.“Iwalkedinacolumnlikethat,”shesaidslowly.
Yulweigavealongsigh.“Iknow,Ferro,Iknow,butfatehaschosenyoufor
saving.Begratefulforit,ifyouknowhow.”
“Youshouldhaveletmekillhim.”
“Eugh,” clucked the old man in disgust, “I do declare, you’d kill the whole
worldifyoucould.IsthereanythingbutkillinginyouFerro?”
“Thereusedtobe,”shemuttered,“buttheywhipitoutofyou.Theywhipyou
untilthey’resurethere’snothingleft.”Yulweistoodthere,withthatpityinglook
onhisface.Strange,howitdidn’tmakeherangryanymore.
“I’msorry,Ferro.Sorryforyouandforthem.”Hesteppedbackintotheroad,
shakinghishead.“Butit’sbetterthandeath.”
Shestayedforamoment,watchingthedustrisingfromthedistantcolumn.
“Thesame,”shewhisperedtoherself.
SoreThumb
Logenleanedagainsttheparapet,squintedintothemorningsun,andtookin
theview.
He’ddonethesame,itfeltlongagonow,fromthebalconyofhisroomatthe
library.Thetwoviewscouldhardlyhavebeenmoredifferent.Sunriseoverthe
jagged carpet of buildings on the one hand, hot and glaring bright and full of
distantnoise.Thecoldandmistyvalleyontheother,softandemptyandstillas
death.Herememberedthatmorning,rememberedhowhe’dfeltlikeadifferent
man.Hecertainlyfeltadifferentmannow. Astupidman.Small,scared,ugly,
andconfused.
“Logen.”Malacussteppedoutontothebalconytostandbesidehim,smiledup
at the sun and out over the city to the sparkling bay, already busy with ships.
“Beautiful,isn’tit?”
“If you say so, but I’m not sure I see it. All those people.” Logen gave a
sweatyshiver.“It’snotright.Itfrightensme.”
“Frightened?You?”
“Always.” Logen had barely slept since they arrived. It was never properly
darkhere,neverproperlyquiet.Itwastoohot,tooclose,toostinking.Enemies
mightbeterrifying,butenemiescouldbefought,andputanendto.Logencould
understand their hatred. There was no fighting the faceless, careless, rumbling
city.Ithatedeverything.“Thisisnoplaceforme.I’llbegladtoleave.”
“Wemightnotbeleavingforawhile.”
“Iknow.”Logentookadeepbreath.“That’swhyI’mgoingtogodownand
lookatthisAgriont, and find out what Icanaboutit.Some things have to be
done.It’sbettertodothem thantolivewiththefearofthem.That’swhatmy
fatherusedtotellme.”
“Goodadvice.I’llcomewithyou.”
“Youwillnot.”Bayazwasinthedoorway,glaringoutathisapprentice.“Your
progressoverthelastfewweekshasbeenadisgrace,evenforyou.”Hestepped
through into the open air. “I suggest that while we are idle, waiting on His
Majesty’s pleasure, you should take the opportunity to study. Another such
chancemaybealongtimecoming.”
Malacushurriedbackinsidewithnobackwardglances.Heknewbetterthan
todawdlewithhismasterinthismood.Bayazhadlostallhisgoodhumouras
soonastheyarrivedattheAgriont,anditdidn’tlooklikecomingback.Logen
couldhardlyblamehim,they’dbeentreatedmorelikeprisonersthanguests.He
didn’tknowmuchaboutmanners,buthecouldguessthemeaningofhardstares
fromeveryoneandguardsoutsidethedoor.
“Youwouldn’t believehowit’sgrown,”growledBayaz,frowningoutatthe
greatsweepofcity.“IrememberwhenAduawasbarelymorethanahuddleof
shacks,squeezedinroundtheHouseoftheMakerlikefliesroundafreshturd.
BeforetherewasanAgriont.BeforetherewasaUnion,even.Theyweren’thalf
soproudinthosedays,Icantellyou.TheyworshippedtheMakerlikeagod.”
He noisily hawked up a lump of phlegm and spat it out into the air. Logen
watcheditclearthemoatandvanishsomewhereinamongstthewhitebuildings
below. “I gave them this,” hissed Bayaz. Logen felt the unpleasant creeping
sensationthatalwaysseemedtoaccompanytheoldwizard’sdispleasure.“Igave
them freedom, and this is the thanks I get? The scorn of clerks? Of swollen-
headed old errand-boys?” A trip down into the suspicion and madness below
begantoseemlikeamercifulrelease.Logenedgedtowardsthedoorandducked
backintotheroombeyond.
IftheywereprisonersherethenLogenhadbeeninsomehardercells,hehad
toadmit.TheirroundlivingroomwasfitforaKing,tohismindatleast:heavy
chairsofdarkwoodwithdelicatecarvings,thickhangingsonthewallsshowing
woodsandhuntingscenes.Bethodwouldmostlikelyhavefeltathomeinsucha
room. Logen felt like an oaf there, always on his toes in case he broke
something.Atalljarstoodonatableinthechamberscentre,itssidespainted
with bright flowers. Logen eyed it suspiciously as he made for the long stair
downintotheAgriont.
“Logen!”Bayazwasframedinthedoorway,frowningafterhim.“Takecare.
Theplacemayseemstrange,butthepeoplearestrangerstill.”
Thewaterfrothedandgurgled,spurtingupinanarrowjetfromametaltube
carvedlikeafish’smouth,thensplashingbackdownintoawidestonebasin.A
fountain,theproudyoungmanhadcalledit.Pipes,beneaththeearth,he’dsaid.
Logenpicturedundergroundstreams,coursingjustbeneathhisfeet,washingat
thefoundationsoftheplace.Thethoughtmadehimfeelslightlydizzy.
Thesquarewasvast—agreatplainofflatstones,hemmedinbysheercliffsof
whitebuildings.Hollowcliffs,coveredwithpillarsandcarvings,glitteringwith
tallwindows,crawlingwithpeople.Somethingstrangeseemedtobehappening
today.Allaroundthedistantedgesofthesquareanenormous,slopingstructure
of wooden beams was being built. An army of workmen swarmed over it,
hacking and bludgeoning, swinging at pegs and joints, hurling bad-tempered
shoutsateachother.Allaroundthemweremountainsofplanksandlogs,barrels
ofnails,stacksoftools,enoughtobuildtenmightyhalls,andmorebesides.In
placesthestructurewasalreadyfar abovethe ground,its uprightssoaring into
theairlikethemastsofgreatships,ashighasthemonstrousbuildingsbehind.
Logenstood, handson hips,gawping attheenormouswoodenskeleton,but
itspurposewasamystery.Hesteppeduptoashortmuscularmaninaleather
apron,sawingfuriouslyataplank.“What’sthis?”
“Eh?”Themandidn’tevenlookupfromhistask.
“This.What’sitfor?”
The saw bit through the wood, the off-cut clattered to the ground. The
carpenterheftedtherestoftheplankontoapilenearby.Heturnedround,eyeing
Logensuspiciously,wipingsweatfromhisglisteningforehead.
“Stands.Seating.”Logenstaredvacantlybackathim.Howcouldsomething
standandsitatonce?“FortheContest!”thecarpentershoutedinhisface.Logen
backed slowly away. Gibberish. Nonsense words. He turned and hurried off,
keepingwellclearofthehugewoodenstructuresandthemenclamberingover
them.
He blundered out onto a broad lane, a deep gorge between looming white
buildings. Statues faced each other down either side, much larger than life,
frowningovertheheads of the many people hurryingbetween.Thenearest of
thecarvingsseemedstrangelyfamiliar.Logenwalkedovertoit,lookeditupand
down,thengrinned to himself. TheFirstofthe Magi had gained someweight
sinceitwassculpted.Toomuchgoodeatingatthelibrary,maybe.Logenturned
towardsasmallmanwithablackhat,walkingbywithabigbookunderhisarm.
“Bayaz,”hesaid,pointingupatthestatue.“Friendofmine.”Themanstared
athim,atthestatue,backathim,andhurriedaway.
Thecarvingsmarchedondowneithersideoftheavenue.KingsoftheUnion,
Logenguessed,stoodinlineon theleft.Somecarriedswords,somescrollsor
tinyships.Onehadadogathisfeet,anotherasheafofwheatunderhisarm,but
otherwisetherewasn’tmuchtotellthemapart.Theyallhadthesametallcrowns
and the same stern frowns. You wouldn’t have thought to look at them that
they’deversaidastupidword,ordoneastupidthing,orhadtotakeashitinall
theirlives.
Logen heard rapid footsteps thumping up behind him, and he turned just in
timetoseetheproudyoungmanfromthegate,poundingdowntheavenue,shirt
soakedthroughwithsweat.Logenwonderedwherehemightbegoinginsucha
hurry,buthewasdamnedifhewasgoingtoruntocatchupwithhim,notinthis
heat.Anyway,therewereplentymoremysteriesthatneededsolving.
Thelaneopenedoutintoagreat,greenspace,scoopedoutfromthecountry
bygianthandsanddroppedinamongstthetallbuildings,butlikenocountryside
thatLogenhadeverseen.Thegrasswasasmooth,evenblanketofvividgreen,
shaved almost to the ground. There were flowers, but growing in rows and
circlesandstraightlinesofbrightcolour.Therewerelushbushesandtrees,all
squeezedandfencedandclippedintounnaturalshapes.Therewaswater,too—
streams bubbling over stone steps, a great flat pond with sad-looking trees
trailingrounditsedge.
Logen wandered through this square-edged greenery, boots crunching on a
pathmadeoftinygreystones.Therewerelotsofpeoplegatheredhere,squeezed
in together to enjoy the sun. They sat in boats on the miniature lake, rowing
gentlyroundandround,goingnowhere.Theylazedonthelawns,ate,drankand
babbled to one another. Some of them would point at Logen and shout, or
whisper,orslopeaway.
Theywereastrange-seemingcrowd,especiallythewomen.Paleandghostly,
swaddledinelaboratedresses,hairscrapedupandpiledandstuckthroughwith
pinsandcombsandgreatweirdfeathersoruselesstinyhats.Theyseemedlike
thebigjarintheroundchamber—toothinanddelicatetobeanyuse,andfurther
spoiledbytoomuchdecoration.Butithadbeenalongtime,andhesmiledat
them cheerfully, on the off chance. Some looked shocked, others gasped in
horror.Logensighed.Theoldmagicwasstillthere.
Further on, in another wide square, Logen stopped to watch a group of
soldiers practice. These weren’t beggars, or girlish youths, these were solid-
looking men wearing heavy armour, breastplates and greaves polished mirror
bright,longspears shouldered. They stood together, eachmanthesame as the
one beside, in four squares of maybe fifty men each, still as the statues in the
avenue.
Atabellowfromashortmaninaredjacket—theirchief,Logenreckoned—
the whole crowd turned, levelled their spears and began to advance across the
square, heavy boots tramping together. Each man the same, armed the same,
movingthesame.Itwasquiteasight,allthatshiningmetalmovingsteadilyin
bristlingsquares,spearpoints glittering,like somegreat squarehedgehog with
two hundred legs. Deadly enough, no doubt, on a big flat space, against an
imaginary enemy right in front. How it would work on broken rocks, in the
tipping rain, in a tangled wood, Logen was less sure. Those men would tire
quickly,in allthatweightofarmour,andifthesquarescouldbebroken,what
wouldtheydo?Menwhowereusedtoalwayshavingothersattheirshoulder?
Couldtheyfightalone?
He plodded on, through wide courtyards and neat gardens, past gurgling
fountainsandproudstatues,downcleanlanesandbroadavenues.Hewandered
up and down narrow stairways, across bridges over streams, over roads, over
otherbridges.Hesaw guardsin adozen differentsplendid liveries,guarding a
hundreddifferentgatesandwallsanddoors,everyoneeyeinghimwiththesame
deepsuspicion.Thesunclimbedinthesky,thetallwhitebuildingsslidbyuntil
Logenwasfootsoreandhalflost,hisneckachingfromlookingalwaysupwards.
The only constant was the monstrous tower which loomed high, high over
everything else, making the greatest of the great buildings seem mean. It was
alwaysthere,glimpsedoutofthecornerofyoureye,peeringoverthetopsofthe
roofsinthedistance.Logen’sfootstepsdraggedhimslowlycloserandcloserto
it,untilhecametoaneglectedcornerofthecitadelinitsveryshadow.
Hefoundanoldbenchbesidearaggedlawnnearagreatcrumblingbuilding,
coated with moss and ivy, its steep roofs sagging in the middles and missing
tiles.Heslumpeddown,puffingouthischeeks,andfrownedupatthatenormous
shapebeyondthewalls,cutoutdarkagainsttheblue,amanmademountainof
dry,stark,deadstones.Noplantsclungtothatloomingmass,notevenaclump
ofmossinthecracksbetweenthegreatblocks.TheHouseoftheMaker,Bayaz
hadcalledit.ItlookedlikenohousethatLogenhadeverseen.Therewereno
roofs above, no doors or windows in those naked walls. A cluster of mighty,
sharp-edgedtiersofrock.Whatneedcouldthereeverbetobuildathingsobig?
WhowasthisMakeranyway?Wasthisallhemade?Agreatbig,uselesshouse?
“YoumindifIsit?”TherewasawomanlookingdownatLogen,morewhat
hewouldhavecalledawomanthanthosestrange,ghostlythingsinthepark.A
prettywomaninawhitedress,faceframedbydarkhair.
“DoImind?No.It’safunnything,butnooneelsewantstositwithme.”
Shedroppeddownatthefarendofthebench,restingherchinonherhands,
her elbows on her knees, gazing up without interest at the looming tower.
“Perhapsthey’reafraidofyou.”
Logenwatchedamanhurrypastwithasheafofpapersunderhisarm,staring
athimwithwideeyes.“I’mstartingtothinkthesamething.”
“Youdolookalittledangerous.”
“Hideousisthewordyou’relookingfor.”
“IusuallyfindthewordsI’mlookingfor,andIsaydangerous.”
“Well,lookscanlie.”
Sheliftedaneyebrow,lookinghimslowlyupanddown.“Youmustbeaman
ofpeacethen.”
“Huh… not entirely.” They looked at each other sidelong. She didn’t seem
afraid,orscornful,oreveninterested.“Whyaren’tyouscared?”
“I’mfromAngland,Iknowyourpeople.Besides,”andsheletherheaddrop
ontothebackofthebench,“nooneelsewilltalktome.I’mdesperate.”
Logenstaredatthestumpofhismiddlefinger,waggleditbackandforthas
farasitwouldgo.“You’dhavetobe.I’mLogen.”
“Goodforyou.I’mnobody.”
“Everybody’ssomebody.”
“Notme.I’mnothing.I’minvisible.”
Logenfrownedather,turnedsidewaystohim,loungingbackonthebenchin
thesun,herlongsmoothneckstretchedout,chestrisingandfallinggently.“Isee
you.”
Sherolledherheadtolookathim.“You…areagentleman.”
Logensnortedwithlaughter.He’dbeencalledalotofthingsinhistime,but
neverthat.Theyoungwomandidn’tjoinhiminhisamusement.“Idon’tbelong
here,”shemutteredtoherself.
“Neitheroneofus.”
“No.Butthisismyhome.”Shegotupfromthebench.“Goodbye,Logen.”
“Fareyouwell,nobody.”Hewatchedherturnandwalkslowlyaway,shaking
his head. Bayaz had been right. The place was strange, but the people were
strangerstill.
Logenwokewithapainfulstart,blinkedandstaredwildlyabouthim.Dark.
Not quite entirely dark, of course, there was still the ever-present glow of the
city.Hethoughthe’d heard something, buttherewasnothing now. It was hot.
Hot and close and strangling, even with the sticky draught from the open
window. He groaned, threw the damp blankets down around his waist, rubbed
thesweatfromhischestandwipeditonthewallbehindhim.Thelightnagged
at his eyelids. And that was not the worst of his problems. Say one thing for
LogenNinefingers,saythatheneedstopiss.
Unfortunately,youcouldn’tjustpissinapotinthisplace.Theyhadaspecial
thing, like a flat wooden shelf with a hole in it, in a little room. He’d peered
downinto thatholewhen theyfirstarrived, wonderingwhatitcouldbe for.It
seemedlikealongwaydown,anditsmelledbad.Malacushadexplaineditto
him.Apointlessandbarbaricinvention.Youhadtositthere,onthehardwood,
anunpleasantdraughtblowingroundyourfruits.Butthatwascivilisation,sofar
asLogencouldtell.Peoplewithnothingbettertodo,dreamingupwaystomake
easythingsdifficult.
He floundered out of bed and picked his way to where he remembered the
doorbeing,bentoverwithhisarmsfeelingaboutinfrontofhim.Toolight to
sleep,buttoodarktoactuallyseeanything.“Fuckingcivilisation,”hemuttered
to himself as he fumbled with the latch on the door, sliding his bare feet
cautiouslyintothebigcircularroomatthecentreoftheirchambers.
Itwascoolinhere,verycool.Thecoldairfeltgoodonhisbareskinafterthe
dampheatofhisbedroom.Whywasn’thesleepinginhere,insteadofthatoven
next door? He squinted at the shadowy walls, face all screwed up with the
painful fuzz of sleep, trying to work out which blurry door led to the pissing-
shelf. Knowing his luck he’d probably blunder into Bayaz’ room and
accidentally piss on the First of the Magi while he was asleep. That wouldbe
justthethingtosweetenthewizard’stemper.
Hetookastepforward.Therewasaclunkandarattleashislegbargedinto
the corner of the table. He cursed, grabbing at his bruised shin—then he
rememberedthe jar. Helungedand caughtitby therimjustbeforeit fell.His
eyeswereadjustingtothehalf-lightnow,andhecouldjustmakeouttheflowers
paintedonthecold,shinysurface.Hemovedtoputitbackonthetable,butthen
itoccurredtohim.Whygoanyfurtherwhenhehadaperfectlygoodpotright
there? He glanced furtively round the room, swinging the jar into position…
thenfroze.
Hewasnotalone.
Atall,slenderfigure,vagueinthehalf-light.Hecouldjustmakeoutlonghair,
blowing gently in the breeze from the open window. He strained against the
darkness,buthecouldn’tseetheface.
“Logen…”Awoman’svoice,softandlow.Hedidn’tlikethesoundofitone
bit.Itwascoldintheroom,verycold.Hetookafirmgriponthejar.
“Whoareyou?”hecroaked,voicesuddenlyloudinthedeadstillness.Washe
dreaming? He shook his head, squeezed the jar in his hand. It all felt real.
Horriblyreal.
“Logen…” The woman moved silently towards him. Soft light from the
windowcaughtthesideofherface.Awhitecheek,ashadowyeye-socket,the
cornerofamouth,thensunkindarknessagain.Therewassomethingfamiliar…
Logen’s mind fumbled for it as he backed away, eyes fixed on her outline,
keepingthetablebetweenthem.
“What do you want?” He had a cold feeling in his chest, a bad feeling. He
knewheshouldbeshoutingforhelp,raisingtheothers,butsomehowhehadto
knowwhoitwas.Hadtoknow.Theairwasfreezing,Logencouldalmostseehis
breathsmokingbeforehisface.Hiswifewasdead,heknewthat,deadandcold
andgonebacktothemud,longagoandfaraway.He’dseenthevillage,burned
toashes,fullofcorpses.Hiswifewasdead…andyet…
“Thelfi?”hewhispered.
“Logen…”Hervoice!Hervoice!Hismouthdroppedopen.Shereachedout
forhim,throughthelightfromthewindow.Palehand,palefingers,long,white
nails.Theroomwasicy,icycold.“Logen!”
“You’re dead!” He raised the jar, ready to smash it down on her head. The
handreachedout,fingersspreadingwide.
Suddenly,theroomwasbrightasday.Brighter.Brilliant,searingbright.The
murky outlines of the doors, the furniture, were transformed into hard white
edges, black shadows. Logen squeezed his eyes shut, shielded them with his
arm,droppedbackgaspingagainstthewall.Therewasadeafeningcrashlikea
landslide, a tearing and splintering like a great tree falling, a stink of burning
wood.Logenopenedoneeyeacrack,peeredoutfrombetweenhisfingers.
The chamber was strangely altered. Dark, once more, but less dark than
before. Light filtered in through a great ragged hole in the wall where the
windowusedto be.Twoofthechairshadgone,athird teeteredonthreelegs,
brokenedgesglowingfaintly,smoulderinglikesticksthathadbeenalongtime
inafire.Thetable,standingrightbesidehimjustamomentbefore,wassheared
inhalfontheothersideoftheroom.Partoftheceilinghadbeentornawayfrom
the rafters and the floor was littered with chunks of stone and plaster, broken
lengths of wood and fragments of glass. Of the strange woman there was no
sign.
Bayaz picked his way unsteadily through the wreckage towards the gaping
holeinthewall,nightshirtflappingaroundhisthickcalves,andpeeredoutinto
thenight.“It’sgone.”
“It?”Logenstaredatthesteaminghole.“Sheknewmyname…”
Thewizardstumbledovertothelastremainingintactchairandflunghimself
intoitlikeamanexhausted.“AnEater,perhaps.SentbyKhalul.”
“Awhat?”askedLogen,baffled.“Sentbywho?”
Bayazwipedsweatfromhisface.“Youwantednottoknow.”
“That’strue.”Logencouldn’tdenyit.Herubbedathischin,staringoutofthe
ragged patch of night sky, wondering whether now might be a good time to
changehismind.Butbythenitwastoolate.Therewasafrantichammeringat
thedoor.
“Getthat,wouldyou?”Logenstumbledstupidlythroughthedebrisandslid
backthe bolt.Anangry-looking guard shoulderedhis way past,a lamp inone
hand,drawnswordintheother.
“Therewasanoise!”Thelightfromhislampsweptoverthewreckage,found
the ragged edge of the ripped plaster, the broken stone, the empty night sky
beyond.“Shit,”hewhispered.
“Wehadanuninvitedguest,”mutteredLogen.
“Er…Imustnotify…”theguardlookedthoroughlyconfused“…somebody.”
He tripped and nearly fell over a fallen beam as he backed towards the door.
Logenheardhisfootstepsrattlingawaydownthestairs.
“What’sanEater?”Therewasnoreply.Thewizardwasasleep,eyesclosed,a
deep frown on his face, chest moving slowly. Logen looked down. He was
surprisedtoseehestillhadthepot,beautifulanddelicate,claspedtightlyinhis
righthand.Hecarefullysweptclearaspaceonthefloorandsetthejardown,in
amongstthewreckage.
One of the doors banged open and Logen’s heart jumped. It was Malacus,
wild-eyedandstaring,hairstickingupoffhisheadatallangles.“Whatthe…”
Hestumbledtotheholeandpeeredgingerlyoutintothenight.“Shit!”
“Malacus,what’sanEater?”
Quai’sheadsnappedroundtolookatLogen,hisfaceapictureofhorror.“It’s
forbidden,”hewhispered,“toeatthefleshofmen…”
Questions
Gloktaheapedporridgeintohismouthasfastashecould,hopingtogethalfa
meal’s worth down before his gorge began to rise. He swallowed, coughed,
shuddered.Heshovedthebowlaway,asthoughitsverypresenceoffendedhim.
Which,infact,itdoes.“Thishadbetterbeimportant,Severard,”hegrumbled.
ThePracticalscrapedhisgreasyhairbackwithonehand.“Dependswhatyou
meanbyimportant.It’saboutourmagicalfriends.”
“Ah,theFirstoftheMagiandhisboldcompanions.Whataboutthem?”
“There was some manner of a disturbance at their chambers last night.
Someonebrokein,theysay.Therewasafightofsomesort.Seemsasifsome
damagewasdone.”
“Someone?Somesort?Somedamage?”Gloktagaveadisapprovingshakeof
hishead.“Seems?Seemsisn’tgoodenoughforus,Severard.”
“Well it’ll have to be, this time. The guard was a little thin on the details.
Lookeddamnworried,ifyouaskme.”Severardsprawledalittledeeperintohis
chair, shoulders hunching up around his ears. “Someone needs to go and look
intoit,mightaswellbeus.Youcangetagoodlookatthem,closeup.Askthem
somequestions,maybe.”
“Wherearethey?”
“You’lllovethis.TheTowerofChains.”
Gloktascowledashesuckedafewbitsofporridgefromhisemptygums.Of
course.Andrightatthetop,Ibet.Lotsofsteps.“Anythingelse?”
“The Northman went for a stroll yesterday, walked in circles round half the
Agriont. We watched him, of course.” The Practical sniffed and adjusted his
mask.“Uglybastard.”
“Ah,theinfamousNorthman.Didhecommitanyoutrages?Rapeandmurder,
buildingsaflame,thattypeofthing?”
“Notmuch,beinghonest.Atediousmorningforeveryone.Wanderedaround
andgawpedatthings.Hespoketoacoupleofpeople.”
“Anyoneweknow?”
“No one important. One of the carpenters working on the stands for the
Contest.AclerkontheKingsway.TherewassomegirlneartheUniversity.He
spoketoherforawhile.”
“Agirl?”
Severard’seyesgrinned.“That’sright,andanice-lookingonetoo.Whatwas
hername?”He snapped his fingers.“Imade sure I founditout.Her brothers
withtheKing’sOwn…West,somethingWest…”
“Ardee.”
“That’stheone!Youknowher?”
“Hmm.” Glokta licked at his empty gums. She asked me how I was. I
remember.“Whatdidtheyhavetotalkabout?”
The Practical raised his eyebrows. “Probably nothing. She’s from Angland
though,notbeen in the citylong.Might be some connection.You wantmeto
bringherin?Wecouldsoonfindout.”
“No!” snapped Glokta. “No. No need. Her brother used to be a friend of
mine.”
“Usedtobe.”
“Noonetouchesher,Severard,youhear?”
ThePracticalshrugged.“Ifyousayso,Inquisitor.Ifyousayso.”
“Ido.”
Therewasapause.“Sowe’redonewiththeMercersthen,arewe?”Severard
soundedalmostwistful.
“Itwouldseemso.They’refinished.Nothingbutsomecleaninguptodo.”
“Somelucrativecleaningup,Idaresay.”
“I daresay,” said Glokta sourly. “But his Eminence feels our talents will be
betterusedelsewhere.”Likewatchingfakewizards. “Hope you didn’t lose out
onyourlittlepropertybythedocks.”
Severard shrugged. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you need somewhere away
from prying eyes again, before too long. It’ll still be there. At the right price.
Shametoleaveajobhalfdoneisall.”
True.Gloktapausedforamoment,considering.Dangerous.TheArchLector
said go no further. Very dangerous, to disobey, and yet I smell something. It
niggles,toleavealooseend,whateverhisEminencemightsay.“Theremightbe
onemorething.”
“Really?”
“Yes,butkeepitsubtle.Doyouknowanythingaboutbanks?”
“Bigbuildings.Theylendpeoplemoney.”
Gloktagaveathinsmile.“Ihadnoideayouweresuchanexpert.There’sone
inparticularI’minterestedin.NameofValintandBalk.”
“Neverheardofthem,butIcanaskaround.”
“Just keep it discreet, Severard, do you understand me? No one can know
aboutthis.Imeanit.”
“Discretion is what I’m all about, chief, ask anyone. Discreet. That’s me.
Knownforit.”
“You’dbetterbe,Severard.Youhadbetterbe.”Oritcouldbebothourheads.
Gloktasat,wedgedintotheembrasurewithhisbackagainstthestonesandhis
left leg stretched out in front of him—a searing, pulsing furnace of pain. He
expectedpainofcourse,everymomentofeveryday.Butthisissomethingjusta
bitspecial.
Everybreathwasarattlingmoanthroughrigidjaws.Everytiniestmovement
was a mighty task. He remembered how Marshal Varuz had made him run up
and down these steps when he was training for the Contest, years ago. I took
themthreeat atime,up anddownwithoutasecondthought.Nowlookatme.
Whowouldhavethoughtitcouldcometothis?
His trembling body ran with sweat, his stinging eyes ran with tears, his
burningnosedrippedwaterysnot.Allthiswaterflowingoutofme,andyetI’m
thirstyashell.Where’sthesenseinthat?Wherewasthesenseinanyofit?What
ifsomeoneshouldcomepast,andseemelikethis?Theterrifyingscourgeofthe
Inquisition,floppedonhisarseinawindow,barelyabletomove?WillIforcea
nonchalantsmileontothisrigidmaskofagony?WillIpretendthatalliswell?
ThatIoftencomehere,tosprawlbesidethestairs?OrwillIweepandscream
andbegforhelp?
Butnoonepassed.Helaythere,wedgedinthatnarrowspace,three-quarters
of the way up the Tower of Chains, the back of his head resting on the cool
stones,histremblingkneesdrawnupinfrontofhim.SanddanGlokta,master
swordsman,dashingcavalryofficer,whatgloriousfuturemighthehaveinfront
ofhim?TherewasatimewhenIcouldrunforhours.Runandrunandnever
tire.Hecouldfeelatrickleofsweatrunningdownhisback.WhydoIdothis?
Why the hell would anyone do this? I could stop today. I could go home to
mother.Butthenwhat?Thenwhat?
“Inquisitor,I’mgladyou’rehere.”
Goodforyou,bastard.I’mnot.Gloktaleanedagainstthewallatthetopofthe
stairs,suchteethashehadgrindingagainsthisgums.
“They’re inside, it’s quite a mess…” Glokta’s hand trembled, the tip of his
canerattlingagainstthestones.Hisheadswam.Theguardwasblurryanddim
throughhistwitchingeyelids.“Areyoualright?”Heloomedforwards,onearm
outstretched.
Gloktalookedup.“Justgetthefuckingdoor,fool!”
Themanjumpedaway,hurriedtothedoorandpusheditopen.Everypartof
Gloktalongedtogiveupandsprawlonhisface,buthewilledhimselfupright.
Heforcedonefootbeforetheother,forcedhisbreathtocomeeven,forcedhis
shouldersbackandhisheadhigh,andsweptimperiouslypasttheguard,every
partofhisbodysingingwithpain.Whathesawbeyondthedoorsalmostbroke
hisveneerofcomposurehowever.
Yesterday these were some of the finest rooms in the Agriont. They were
reserved for the most honoured of guests, the most important of foreign
dignitaries. Yesterday. A gaping hole was ripped out of one wall where the
windowshouldhavebeen,theskybeyondblindingbrightafterthedarknessof
thestairwell.Asectionoftheceilinghadcollapsed,brokentimbersandshreds
of plaster hanging down into the room. The floor was strewn with chunks of
stone,splintersofglass,tornfragmentsofcolouredcloth.Theantiquefurniture
hadbeensmashedtoscatteredpieces,brokenedgescharredandblackenedasif
byfire.Onlyonechair,halfatable,andatallornamentaljar,strangelypristine
inthemiddleoftherubble-strewnfloor,hadescapedthedestruction.
Inthemidstofthisexpensivewreckagestoodaconfusedandsickly-seeming
youngman.HelookedupasGloktapickedhiswaythroughtherubbleroundthe
doorway,tonguedartingnervouslyoverhislips,evidentlyonedge.Hasanyone
everlookedmoreofafraud?
“Er, good morning?” The young man’s fingers twitched nervously at his
gown, a heavy thing, stitched with arcane symbols. And doesn’t he look
uncomfortablein it? If thismanisa wizard’s apprentice, IamtheEmperor of
Gurkhul.
“IamGlokta.FromhisMajesty’sInquisition.Ihavebeensenttoinvestigate
this…unfortunatebusiness.Iwasexpectingsomeoneolder.”
“Oh,yes,sorry,IamMalacusQuai,”stammeredtheyoungman,“apprentice
togreat Bayaz, the Firstofthe Magi, greatinhigh art and learnedindeep—”
Kneel,kneelbeforeme!IamthemightyEmperorofGurkhul!
“Malacus…” Glokta cut him off rudely “…Quai. You are from the Old
Empire?”
“Whyyes,”theyoungmanbrightenedslightlyatthat.“Doyouknowmy—”
“No.Notatall.”Thepalefacesagged.“Wereyouherelastnight?”
“Er,yes,Iwasasleep,nextdoor.I’mafraidIdidn’tseeanythingthough…”
Glokta stared at him, intent and unblinking, trying to work him out. The
apprentice coughed and looked at the floor, as if wondering what to clean up
first. Can this really make the Arch Lector nervous? A miserable actor. His
wholemannerreeksofdeception.
“Someonesawsomething,though?”
“Well,erm,MasterNinefingers,Isuppose—”
“Ninefingers?”
“Yes, our Northern companion.” The young man brightened. “A warrior of
greatrenown,achampion,aprinceamonghis—”
“You,fromtheOldEmpire.He,aNorthman.Whatacosmopolitanbandyou
are.”
“Wellyes,haha,wedo,Isuppose—”
“WhereisNinefingersnow?”
“StillasleepIthink,er,Icouldwakehim—”
“Wouldyoubesokind?”Gloktatappedhiscaneonthefloor.“Itwasquitea
climb,andIwouldrathernotcomebacklater.”
“No,er,ofcourse…sorry”HehastenedovertooneofthedoorsandGlokta
turned away, pretending to examine the gaping wound in the wall while
grimacinginagonyandbitinghisliptokeepfromwailinglikeasickchild.He
seized hold of the broken stones at the edge of the hole with his free hand,
squeezingthemashardashecould.
Asthespasmpassedhebegantotakemoreinterestinthedamage.Eventhis
high up the wall was a good four feet thick, solidly built from rubble bonded
with mortar, faced with cut stone blocks. It would take a rock from a truly
mightycatapulttomakesuchabreach,orateamofstrongworkmengoingnight
and day for a week. A giant siege engine or a group of labourers would
doubtlesshaveattractedtheattentionoftheguards.Sohowwasitmade?Glokta
ranhishandoverthecrackedstones.Hehadonceheardrumoursthatinthefar
south they made a kind of blasting powder. Could a little powder have done
this?
ThedooropenedandGloktaturnedtoseeabigmanduckingunderthelow
lintel,buttoninghisshirtwithslow,heavyhands.Athoughtfulkindofslowness.
As if he could move quickly but doesn’t see the point. His hair was a tangled
mass, his lumpy face badly scarred. The middle finger of his left hand was
missing.HenceNinefingers.Howveryimaginative.
“Sleepinglate?”
TheNorthmannodded.“Yourcityistoohotforme—itkeepsmeupatnight
andmakesmesleepyintheday.”
Glokta’slegwasthrobbing,hisbackwasgroaning,hisneckwasstiffasadry
branch.Itwasallhecoulddotokeephisagonyasecret.Hewouldhavegiven
anythingtosprawlinthatoneundamagedchairandscreamhisheadoff.ButI
must stand, and trade words with these charlatans. “Could you explain to me
whathappenedhere?”
Ninefingers shrugged. “I needed to piss in the night. I saw someone in the
room.” He had little trouble with the common tongue, it seemed, even if the
contentwashardlypolite.
“Didyouseewhothissomeonewas?”
“No. It was a woman, I saw that much.” He worked his shoulders, clearly
uncomfortable.
“A woman, really?” This story becomes more ridiculous by the second.
“Anythingelse?Canwenarrowoursearchbeyondhalfthepopulation?”
“Itwascold.Verycold.”
“Cold?”Ofcourse,whynot?Ononeofthehottestnightsoftheyear.
Glokta stared into the Northman’s eyes for a long time, and he stared back.
Dark,coolblueeyes,deeplyset.Nottheeyesofanidiot.Hemaylookanape,
buthedoesn’ttalklikeone.Hethinksbeforehespeaks,thensaysnomorethan
hehasto.Thisisadangerousman.
“Whatisyourbusinessinthecity,MasterNinefingers?”
“I came with Bayaz. If you want to know his business you can ask him.
Honestly,Idon’tknow.”
“Hepaysyouthen?”
“No.”
“Youfollowhimoutofloyalty?”
“Notexactly.”
“Butyouarehisservant?”
“No.Notreally.”TheNorthmanscratchedslowlyathisstubblyjaw.“Idon’t
knowwhatIam.”
Abig,uglyliariswhatyouare.Buthowtoproveit?Gloktawavedhiscane
aroundtheshatteredchamber.“Howdidyourintrudercausesomuchdamage?”
“Bayazdidthat.”
“Hedid?How?”
“Art,hecallsit.”
“Art?”
“Base magic is wild and dangerous,” intoned the apprentice pompously, as
though he were saying something of great importance, “for it comes from the
Other Side, and to touch the world below is fraught with peril. The Magus
tempersmagicwithknowledge,andthusproducesHighArt,butlikethesmith
orthe—”
“TheOtherSide?”snappedGlokta,puttingasharpendtotheyoungmoron’s
streamofdrivel.“Theworldbelow?Hell,doyoumean?Magic?Doyouknow
anymagic,MasterNinefingers?”
“Me?”TheNorthmanchuckled.“No.”Hethoughtaboutitforamomentand
thenadded,almostasanafterthought,“Icanspeaktothespiritsthough.”
“Thespirits,isthatso?”Forpity’ssake.“Perhapstheycouldtelluswhothis
intruderwas?”
“I’m afraid not.” Ninefingers shook his head sadly, either missing Glokta’s
sarcasmorchoosingtoignoreit.“Therearenoneleftawakeinthisplace.They
aresleepinghere.Theyhavebeenforalongtime.”
“Ah,ofcourse.”Wellpastspirits’bedtime.Itireofthisnonsense.“Youcome
fromBethod?”
“You could say that.”Itwas Glokta who was surprised.Hehadexpected at
best a sharp intake of breath, a hurried effort at concealment, not a frank
admission.Ninefingersdidnotevenblinkhowever.“Iwasoncehischampion.”
“Champion?”
“Ifoughttenduelsforhim.”
Gloktagropedforwords.“Didyouwin?”
“Iwaslucky.”
“Yourealise,ofcourse,thatBethodhasinvadedtheUnion?”
“Ido.”Ninefingerssighed.“Ishouldhavekilledthatbastardlongago,butI
wasyoungthen,andstupid.NowIdoubtI’llgetanotherchance,butthat’sthe
wayofthings.Youhavetobe…what’sthewordforit?”
“Realistic,”saidQuai.
Gloktafrowned.Amomentago,hehadteeteredonthebrinkofmakingsense
of all this nonsense, but the moment had slipped away and things made less
sensethanever.HestaredatNinefingers,butthatscarredfaceheldnoanswers,
only more questions. Talking with spirits? Bethod’s champion but his enemy?
Assaulted by a mysterious woman in the dead of night? And he doesn’t even
knowwhyhe’shere?Acleverliartellsasmuchtruthashecan,butthisonetells
somanyliesIhardlyknowwheretobegin.
“Ah,wehaveaguest!”Anoldmansteppedintotheroom,thicksetandstocky
withashortgreybeard,vigorouslyrubbinghisbaldheadwithacloth.Sothisis
Bayaz.Hethrewhimselfdownintheoneintactchair,movingwithnoneofthe
graceonewouldexpectfromanimportanthistoricalfigure.“Imustapologise.I
wastakingadvantage of thebath.A veryfinebath.I have been bathingevery
daysincewearrivedhereattheAgriont.Igrewsobesmirchedwiththedirtof
the road that I have positively seized upon the opportunity to be clean again.”
Theoldmanrubbedhishandoverhishairlessscalpwithafainthissingsound.
Glokta mentally compared his features to those of Bayaz’ statue in the
Kingsway. There is hardly anything uncanny about the resemblance. Half as
commandingandagreatdealshorter.GivenanhourIcouldfindfiveoldmen
who looked more convincing. If I took a razor to Arch Lector Sult, I could do
better.Gloktaglancedathisshinypate.Iwonderifhetakesarazortothatevery
morning?
“Andyouare?”askedthesupposedBayaz.
“InquisitorGlokta.”
“Ah,oneofHisMajesty’sInquisitors.Wearehonoured!”
“Ohno,thehonourismine.You,afterall,arethelegendaryBayaz,Firstof
theMagi.”
Theoldmanglaredbackathim,hisgreeneyes pricklyhard. “Legendaryis
perhapsashadetoomuch,butIamBayaz.”
“Yourcompanion,MasterNinefingers,wasjustdescribinglastnight’sevents
tome.Acolourfultale.Heclaimsthatyoucaused…allthis.”
Theoldmansnorted.“Iamnotinthehabitofwelcominguninvitedguests.”
“SoIsee.”
“Alas,therewassomedamagetothesuite.Inmyexperienceoneshouldact
quicklyanddecisively.Thepiecescanalwaysbepickedupafterward.”
“Ofcourse.Forgivemyignorance,MasterBayaz,buthow,precisely,wasthe
damagecaused?”
Theoldmansmiled.“Youcanunderstandthatwedonotsharethesecretsof
ourorderwithjustanyone,and Iamafraid thatIalreadyhaveanapprentice.”
Heindicatedtheunconvincingyouth.
“Wemet.Insimpletermsthen,perhaps,thatImightunderstand?”
“Youwouldcallitmagic.”
“Magic.Isee.”
“Indeed.Itis,afterall,whatweMagiarebestknownfor.”
“Mmm. I don’t suppose you would be kind enough to demonstrate, for my
benefit?”
“Ohno!”Theso-calledwizardgaveacomfortablelaugh.“Idon’tdotricks.”
This old fool is as hard to fathom as the Northman. The one barely speaks,
while the other talks and talks but says nothing. “I must admit to being
somewhat at a loss as to how this intruder got in.” Glokta glanced round the
room,examiningthepossiblemeansofentrance.“Theguardsawnothing,which
leavesthewindow.”
He shuffled cautiously to the hole and peered out. There had been a small
balcony, but a few stubby splinters of stone were all that remained. Otherwise
thewallfellsmoothandsheerallthewaytotheglitteringwaterfar,farbelow.
“That’squiteaclimbtomake,especiallyinadress.Animpossibleone,wouldn’t
yousay?Howdoyouthinkthiswomanmadeit?”
Theoldmansnorted.“Doyouwantmetodoyourjobforyou?Perhapsshe
clamberedupthelatrinechute!”TheNorthmanlookeddeeplytroubledbythat
suggestion.“Whydon’tyoucatchherandaskher?Isn’tthatwhatyou’rehere
for?”
Touchy, touchy, and consummately acted. An air of injured innocence so
convincing, he almost has me believing this garbage. Almost, but not quite.
“Thereinliestheproblem.Thereisnosignofyourmysteriousintruder.Nobody
hasbeenrecovered.Somewood,smallpiecesoffurniture,thestonesfromthe
wall,theywerescatteredwidelyinthestreetsbelow.Butnothingofanyintruder,
ofeithersex.”
Theoldmanstaredbackathim,ahardfrownbeginningtoformonhisface.
“Perhapsthebodyburnedtonothing.Perhapsitwastornapart,intopiecestoo
small to see, or boiled away into the air. Magic is not always precise, or
predictable, even in the hands of a master. Such things can happen. Easily.
ParticularlywhenIbecomeannoyed.”
“I fear I must risk your annoyance, though. It has occurred to me that you
mightnot,infact,beBayaz,theFirstoftheMagi.”
“Indeed?”Theoldman’sbushyeyebrowsdrewtogether.
“Imustatleastentertainthepossibility…”atensestillnesshadsettledonthe
room“…thatyouareanimpostor.”
“A fraud?” snapped the so-called Magus. The pale young man lowered his
headandbackedquietlyawaytowardsthewall.Gloktafeltsuddenlyveryalone
in the midst of that rubble strewn circle, alone and increasingly unsure of
himself,buthesoldieredon.
“Ithadoccurredtomethatthiswholeeventmighthavebeenstagedforour
benefit.Aconvenientdemonstrationofyourmagicalpowers.”
“Convenient?” Hissed the bald old man, his voice unnaturally loud.
“Convenient, say you? It would be convenient if I was left to enjoy a night’s
sleep uninterrupted. Convenient if I was now sitting in my old chair on the
ClosedCouncil.Convenientifpeopletookmywordaslaw,thewaytheyused
to,withoutaskingalotofdamnfoolquestions!”
TheresemblancetothestatueontheKingswaywassuddenlymuchincreased.
There, now, was the frown of command, the sneer of contempt, the threat of
terrible anger. The old man’s words seemed to press on Glokta like a great
weight,drivingthebreathfromhisbody,threateningtocrushhimtohisknees,
cuttingintohisskull,andleavingbehindacreepingshredofdoubt.Heglanced
upattheyawningholeinthewall.Powder?Catapults?Labourers?Istherenot
asimplerexplanation?Theworldseemedtoshiftaroundhim,asithadinthe
ArchLectorsstudyafewdaysbefore,hismindturnedthepieces,pullingthem
apart,puttingthemtogether.Whatiftheyaresimplytellingthetruth?Whatif…
No!Gloktaforcedtheideafromhismind.Heliftedhisheadandgavetheold
manasneerofhisowntothinkabout.Anagingactorwithashavedheadanda
plausiblemanner.Nothingmore.“Ifyouareasyousay,youhavenothingtofear
frommyquestions,orfromyouranswers.”
Theoldmancrackedasmileandthestrangepressurewassuddenlyreleased.
“Yourcandouratleast,Inquisitor,isquiterefreshing.Nodoubtyouwilldoyour
utmosttoproveyourtheory.Iwishyouluck.I,asyousay,havenothingtofear.
Iwouldonlyaskthatyoufindsomeproofofthisdeceptionbeforebotheringus
again.”
Gloktabowedstiffly.“Iwilltrytodoso,”hesaid,andmadeforthedoor.
“Thereisonemorething!”Theoldmanwaslookingtowardsthegapinghole
inthewall.“Woulditbepossibletofindsomeotherchambers?Thewindblows
ratherchillthroughthese.”
“Iwilllookintoit.”
“Good.Perhapssomewherewithfewersteps.Damnthingsplayhellwithmy
kneesthesedays.”Indeed?There,atleast,wecanagree.
Glokta gave the three of them one last inspection. The bald old man stared
back,hisfaceablankwall.Thelankyyouthglancedupanxiouslythenquickly
turned away. The Northman was still frowning towards the latrine door.
Charlatans,impostors,spies.Buthowtoproveit?“Goodday,gentlemen.”And
helimpedtowardsthestairswithasmuchdignityashecouldmuster.
Nobility
Jezalscrapedthelastfairhairsfromthesideofhisjawandwashedtherazor
offinthebowl.Thenhewipeditonthecloth,closeditandplaceditcarefullyon
thetable,admiringthewaythesunlightglintedonthemother-of-pearlhandle.
Hewipedhisface,andthen—hisfavouritepartoftheday—gazedathimself
inthelookingglass.Itwasagoodone,newlyimportedfromVisserine,apresent
from his father: an oval of bright, smooth glass in a frame of lavishly-carved
dark wood. A fitting surround for such a handsome man as the one gazing
happilybackathim.Honestly,handsomehardlydidhimjustice.
“You’requitethebeautyaren’tyou?”Jezalsaidtohimself,smilingasheran
hisfingersoverthesmoothskinofhisjaw.Andwhatajawitwas.Hehadoften
been told it was his best feature, not that there was anything whatever wrong
withtherestofhim.Heturnedtotheright,thentotheleft,thebettertoadmire
that magnificent chin. Not too heavy, not brutish, but not too light either, not
womanly or weak. A man’s jaw, no doubt, with a slight cleft in the chin,
speaking of strength and authority, but sensitive and thoughtful too. Had there
ever been a jaw like it? Perhaps some king, or hero of legend, once had one
almostasfine.Itwasanoblejaw,thatmuchwasclear.Nocommonercouldever
havehadachinsogrand.
Itmusthavecomefromhismotherssideofthefamily,Jezalsupposed.His
fatherhadratheraweakchin.Hisbrotherstoo,cometothinkofit.Youhadto
feelalittlesorryforthem,hehadgotallthelooksinhisfamily.
“And most of the talent too,” he murmured happily to himself. He turned
awayfromthemirrorwithsomereluctance,stridingintohislivingroom,pulling
his shirt on and buttoning it up the front. He had to look his best today. The
thoughtgavehimalittleshiverofnerves,startinginhisstomach,creepingup
hiswindpipe,lodginginhisthroat.
Bynow,thegates would beopen.A steadyfloodofpeople would be filing
intotheAgriont,takingtheirseatsonthegreatwoodenbenchesintheSquareof
Marshals.Thousandsofthem.Everyonewhowasanyone,andplentymorewho
weren’t.Theywerealreadygathering:shouting,jostling,excited,waitingfor…
him. Jezal coughed and tried to push the thought from his mind. He had kept
himselfawakewithitforhalfthenightalready.
Hemovedovertothetable,wherethebreakfasttraywassitting.Hepickedup
a sausage absently in his fingertips and took a bite off the end, chewing it
withoutrelish.Hewrinkledhisnoseandtosseditbackin thedish. Hehad no
appetite this morning. He was just wiping his fingers on the cloth when he
noticedsomething lying onthefloorby the door,aslip of paper. He bent and
pickeditup,unfoldedit.Asingleline,writteninaneat,precisehand:
Meetmetonight,atthestatueofHarodtheGreatneartheFourCorners
A.
“Shit,”hemurmured,disbelieving,readingthelineoverandover.Hefolded
thepapershut,glancingnervouslyroundtheroom.Jezalcouldonlythinkofone
“A”.Hehadpushedhertothebackofhismindthelastcoupleofdays,hehad
beenspendingeverysparemomenttraining.Thisbroughtitallbackthough,and
nomistake.
“Shit!” He opened the paper and read the line again. Meet me tonight? He
couldnotescapeaslightflushofsatisfactionatthat,anditslowlybecameavery
distinctglowofpleasure.Hismouthcurledintoagormlessgrin.Secretmeetings
inthe darkness? Hisskinprickled withexcitementat theprospect.But secrets
haveawayofcomingto the surface, and what if her brother foundout?That
thought brought on a fresh rush of nerves. He took the slip of paper in both
hands,readytotear it in half, but atthelastmoment he folded it instead, and
slippeditintohispocket.
AsJezalmadehiswaydown thetunnelhe couldalreadyhear thecrowd.A
strange,echoingmurmur,seemingtocomeoutoftheverystones.Hehadheard
itbefore,ofcourse,asaspectatoratlastyearsContest,butithadn’tmadehis
skin sweat and his guts turn over then. Being part of the audience is a world
awayfrombeingpartoftheshow.
Heslowedfor amoment,thenstopped,closinghiseyesandleaningagainst
thewall,thenoiseofthecrowdrushinginhisears,tryingtobreathedeepand
composehimself.
“Don’tworry,Iknowjusthowyoufeel.”JezalfeltWest’sconsolinghandon
hisshoulder.“Inearlyturnedaroundandranthefirsttime,butit’llpassassoon
asthesteelsaredrawn,believeme.”
“Yes,”mumbledJezal,“ofcourse.”HedoubtedthatWestknewexactlyhow
hefelt.ThemanmighthavebeenthroughacoupleofContestsbefore,butJezal
thoughtitunlikelyhehadbeenconsideringasurreptitiousmeetingwithhisbest
friend’s sister the same night. He wondered whether West would be quite so
considerateifheknewthecontentsoftheletterinJezal’s breastpocket.It did
notseemlikely.
“We’dbettergetmoving.Wouldn’twantthemtostartwithoutus.”
“No.” Jezal took one last deep breath, opened his eyes and blew out hard.
Thenhepushedhimselfawayfromthewallandstroderapidlydownthetunnel.
He felt a sudden surge of panic—where were his steels? He cast about him
desperately,thenbreathedalongsigh.Theywereinhishand.
Therewasquiteacrowdinthehallatthefarend:trainers,seconds,friends,
family members and hangers-on. You could tell who the contestants were,
though; the fifteen young men with steels clutched tightly in their hands. The
sense of fear was palpable, and contagious. Everywhere Jezal looked he saw
pale, nervous faces, sweaty foreheads, anxious eyes darting around. It wasn’t
helped by the noise of the crowd, ominously loud beyond the closed double
doorsatthefarendoftheroom,swellingandsubsidinglikeastormysea.
There was only one man there who didn’t seem at all bothered by the
occasion,leaningagainstthewallonhisownwithonefootupontheplasterand
hisheadtippedback,staringdownhisnoseattheassemblythroughbarelyopen
eyes.Mostofthecontestantswerelithe,stringy,athletic.Hewasanythingbut.A
big,heavymanwithhairshavedtodarkstubble.Hehadagreatthickneckanda
doorstepofajaw—thejawofacommoner,Jezalratherthought,butalargeand
powerful commoner with a mean streak. Jezal might have taken him for
someone’s servant but that he had a pair of steels dangling loosely from one
hand.
“Gorst,”WestwhisperedinJezal’sear.
“Huh.Looksmorelikealabourerthanaswordsmantome.”
“Maybe,butlookscanlie.”Thesoundofthecrowdwasslowlyfading,and
the nervy chatter within the room subsided along with it. West raised his
eyebrows.“TheKing’saddress,”hewhispered.
“My friends! My countrymen! My fellow citizens of the Union!” came a
ringingvoice,clearlyaudibleeventhroughtheheavydoors.
“Hoff,”snortedWest.“EvenherehetakestheKing’splace.Whydoesn’the
justputthecrownonandhavedonewithit?”
“One month ago today,” came the far-off bellow of the Lord Chamberlain,
“fellowsofmineontheClosedCouncilputforwardthequestion…shouldthere
beaContestthisyear?”Boosandshoutsof wilddisapprovalwereheardfrom
thecrowd.“Afairquestion!”criedHoff,“forweareatwar!Adeadlystrugglein
theNorth! Theveryliberties whichwehold sodear,the veryfreedomswhich
make us the envy of the world, our very way of life, stand threatened by the
savage!”
A clerk began making his way around the room, separating the contestants
fromtheirfamilies,theirtrainers,theirfriends.“Goodluck,”saidWest,clapping
Jezal on the shoulder, “I’ll see you out there.” Jezal’s mouth was dry, and he
couldonlynod.
“And these were brave men who asked the question!” Boomed out Hoffs
voicefrombeyondthedoors.“Wisemen!Patriotsall!Mystalwartcolleagueson
the Closed Council! I understood why they might think, there should be no
Contestthisyear!”Therewasalongpause.“ButIsaidtothem,no!”
An eruption of manic cheering. “No! No!” screamed the crowd. Jezal was
ushered into line along with the other contestants, two abreast, eight pairs. He
fussedwithhissteelsastheLordChamberlaindronedon,thoughhe’dchecked
themtwentytimesalready.
“No,Isaidto them!Shouldweallowthesebarbarians,theseanimalsofthe
frozen North, to tread upon our way of life? Should we allow this beacon of
freedomamidstthedarknessoftheworldtobeextinguished?No,Isaidtothem!
Ourlibertyisnotforsaleatanyprice!Onthis,myfriends,mycountrymen,my
fellowcitizensoftheUnion,onthisyoumaydepend…wewillwinthiswar!”
Another great ocean swell of approval. Jezal swallowed, glanced nervously
around.Bremerdan Gorst was standing there beside him.Thebigbastard had
thetemeritytowink,grinningasifhehadn’tacareintheworld.“Damnidiot,”
whisperedJezal,buthetookcarethathislipsdidn’tmove.
“And so, my friends, and so,” came Hoffs final cries, “what finer occasion
couldtherebethanwhenwestandupontheverybrinkofperil?Tocelebratethe
skill,thestrength,theprowess,ofsomeofournation’sbravestsons!Myfellow
citizens,mycountrymenoftheUnion,Igiveyouyourcontestants!”
Thedoorswereheavedopenandtheroarofthecrowdbeyondrushedintothe
hall and made the rafters ring: suddenly, deafeningly loud. The front pair of
swordsmen began to stride out through the bright archway, then the next pair,
then the next. Jezal was sure he would freeze, motionless and staring like a
rabbit,butwhenhisturncamehisfeetsteppedoffmanfullynexttoGorst’s,the
heelsofhishighlypolishedbootsclickingacrossthetiledfloorandthroughthe
highdoorway.
TheSquareofMarshalswastransformed.Allaround,greatbanksofseating
hadbeenerected,stretchingback,andback,andup,anduponallsides,spilling
overwithaboilingmultitude.Thecontestantsfileddownadeepvalleybetween
thetoweringstandstowardsthecentreofthisgreatarena,thebeams,andstruts,
and tree-trunk supports like a shadowy forest on either side. Directly before
them,seemingveryfaraway,thefencingcirclehadbeenlaid,alittleringofdry
yellowgrassinthemidstofaseaoffaces.
DownnearthefrontJezalcouldmakeoutthefeaturesoftherichandnoble.
Dressed in their best, shading their eyes from the bright sun, on the whole
fashionablydisinterestedinthespectaclebeforethem.Furtherback,higherup,
the figures became less distinct, the clothes less fine. The vastmajority of the
crowd were mere blobs and specks of colour, crammed in around the distant
edgeofthedizzyingbowl,butthecommonersmadeupfortheirdistancewith
theirexcitement:cheering,shouting,standingupontheirtoesandwavingtheir
armsinthe air.Above them, thetopsof the very highestbuildingsaround the
square peered over, walls and roofs sticking up like islands in the ocean, the
windowsandparapetscrammedwithminusculeonlookers.
Jezalblinkedatthisgreatdisplayofhumanity.Partofhimwasawarethathis
mouthwashangingopen,buttoosmallaparttocloseit.Damn,hefeltqueasy.
Heknewhe should haveeatensomething, but itwastoolate now. Whatifhe
puked, right here in front of half the world? He felt that surge of blind panic
again.Wheredidheleavehissteels?Wherewerethey?Inhishand.Inhishand.
Thecrowdroared,andsighed,andwailed,withamyriadofdifferentvoices.
Thecontestantsbegantomoveawayfromthecircle.Notallofthemwouldbe
fighting today, most would only watch. As though there was a need for extra
spectators.Theybegantomaketheirwaytowardsthefrontrows,butJezalwas
notgoingwiththem,morewasthepity.Hemadefortheenclosureswherethe
contestantspreparedtofight.
HefloppeddownheavilynexttoWest,closedhiseyesandwipedhissweaty
forehead as the crowd cheered on. Everything was too bright, too loud, too
overpowering.MarshalVaruzwasnearby,leaningoverthesideoftheenclosure
toshoutinsomeone’sear.Jezalstaredacrossthearenaattheoccupantsofthe
royalboxopposite,hopingvainlyforadistraction.
“His Majesty the King seems to be enjoying the proceedings,” whispered
WestinJezal’sear.
“Mmm.”TheKing,infact,appearedalreadytohavefallensoundlyasleep,his
crownslippingoffatanangle.Jezalwonderedidlywhatwouldhappenifitfell
off.
Crown Prince Ladisla was there, fabulously dressed as always, beaming
around at the arena with an enormous smile as though everyone was there for
him. His younger brother, Prince Raynault, could hardly have looked more
different:plainandsober,frowningworriedlyathissemi-consciousfather.Their
mother, the Queen, sat beside them, bolt upright with her chin in the air,
studiously pretending that her august husband was wide awake, and that his
crown was in no danger of dropping suddenly and painfully into her lap.
BetweenherandLordHoff,Jezal’seyewascaughtbyayoungwoman—very,
verybeautiful.ShewasevenmoreexpensivelydressedthanLadisla,ifthatwas
possible,withachainofhugediamondsroundher neck,flashingbrightinthe
sun.
“Who’sthewoman?”askedJezal.
“Ah, the Princess Terez,” murmured West. “The daughter of Grand Duke
Orso,LordofTalins.She’squitethecelebratedbeauty,andforonceitseemsthat
rumourdoesn’texaggerate.”
“IthoughtnothinggoodevercamefromTalins.”
“SoI’veheard,butIthinkshemightbetheexception,don’tyou?”Jezalwas
notentirelyconvinced.Spectacular,nodoubt,buttherewasanicyproudlookto
her eye. “I think the Queen has it in mind that she marry Prince Ladisla.” As
Jezalwatched,theCrownPrinceleantacrosshismothertofavourthePrincess
withsomewitlessbanter,thenexplodedintolaughterathisownjoke,slapping
hiskneewithmerriment.Shegaveafrostylittlesmile,radiatingcontempteven
atthisdistance.Ladislaseemednottonoticethough,andJezal’sattentionwas
soondistracted.Atall man in a redcoatwasstriding ponderously towards the
circle.Thereferee.
“It’stime,”murmuredWest.
Thereferee held uphisarm withatheatrical flourish,twofingers extended,
and turned slowly around, waiting for the hubbub to subside. “Today you will
havethepleasureofwitnessingtwoboutsoffencing!”hethundered,thenthrust
uphisotherhand,threefingersout,astheaudienceapplauded.“Eachthebestof
threetouches!”Hethrewupbotharms.“Fourmenwillfightbeforeyou!Twoof
themwill gohome…empty handed.”Thereferee letonearm drop,shookhis
head sadly, the crowd sighed. “But two will pass on to the next round!” The
crowdbellowedtheirapproval.
“Ready?”askedMarshalVaruz,leaningforwardsoverJezal’sshoulder.
What a damn fool question. What if he wasn’t ready? What then? Call the
wholethingoff?Sorryeveryone,I’mnotready?Seeyounextyear?ButallJezal
couldsaywas,“Mmm.”
“Thetimehascome!”criedthereferee,turningslowlyaroundinthecentreof
thearena,“forourfirstbout!”
“Jacket!”snappedVaruz.
“Uh.”Jezalrumbledwiththebuttonsandpulledhisjacketoff,rollinguphis
shirt-sleevesmechanically.Heglancedsidewaysandsawhisopponentmaking
similarpreparations.Atall,thinyoungmanwithlongarmsand weak,slightly
dewy eyes. Hardly the most intimidating looking of adversaries. Jezal noticed
hishandsweretremblingslightlyashetookhissteelsfromhissecond.
“TrainedbySeppdanVissen,andhailingfromRostod,inStarikland…”the
refereepausedforthegreatesteffect“…KurtisdanBroya!”Therewasawaveof
enthusiasticclapping.Jezalsnorted.Theseclownswouldclapforanyone.
Thetallyoungmangotupfromhisseatandwalkedpurposefullytowardsthe
circle, his steels flashing in the sunlight. “Broya!” repeated the referee, as the
gangly idiot took his mark. West pulled Jezal’s steels from their sheaths. The
metallicringingofthebladesmadehimwanttobesickagain.
The referee pointed once more towards the contestant’s enclosure. “And his
opponenttoday!AnofficeroftheKing’sOwn,andtrainedbynoneotherthan
LordMarshalVaruz!”Therewasscatteredapplauseandtheoldsoldierbeamed
happily.“HailingfromLutharinMidderlandbutresidenthereintheAgriont…
CaptainJezaldanLuthar!”Anothersurgeofcheering,farlouderthanBroyahad
received. There was a flurry of sharp cries above the din. Shouted numbers.
Oddsbeingoffered.Jezalfeltanotherrushofnauseaashegotslowlytohisfeet.
“Goodluck.”WesthandedJezalhisnakedsteels,hiltsfirst.
“Hedoesn’tneedluck!”snappedVaruz.“ThisBroya’sanobody!Justwatch
hisreach!Presshim,Jezal,presshim!”
Itseemedtotakeforevertoreachthatringofshortdrygrass,thesoundofthe
crowdloudinJezal’searsbutthesoundofhisheartlouderstill,turningthegrips
ofhissteelsroundandroundinhissweatypalms.“Luthar!”repeatedthereferee,
smilingwideashewatchedJezalapproach.
Pointless and irrelevant questions flitted in and out of his mind. Was Ardee
watching, in the crowd, wondering whether he would come to meet her that
night?Wouldhegetkilledinthewar?Howdidtheygetthegrassforthefencing
circleintotheSquareofMarshals?HeglancedupatBroya.Washefeelingthe
same way? The crowd was quiet now, very quiet. The weight of the silence
presseddownonJezalashetookhismarkinthecircle,pushedhisfeetintothe
dryearth.Broyashruggedhisshoulders,shookhishead,raisedhissteels.Jezal
neededtopiss.Neededtopisssobadly.Whatifhepissedhimselfrightnow?A
bigdarkstainspreadingacrosshistrousers.Themanwhopissedhimselfatthe
Contest.Hewouldneverliveitdown,notifhelivedahundredyears.
“Begin!”thunderedthereferee.
Butnothinghappened.Thetwomenstoodthere,facingeachother,steelsat
the ready. Jezal’s eyebrow itched. He wanted to scratch it, but how? His
opponentlickedhislips,thentookacautioussteptohisleft.Jezaldidthesame.
Theycircledeachotherwarily,shoescrunchinggentlyonthedrygrass:slowly,
slowly drawing closer together. And as they came closer, Jezal’s world
contractedtothespacebetweenthepointsoftheirlongsteels.Nowitwasonlya
stride. Now it was a foot. Now just six inches separated them. Jezal’s whole
mind was focused on those two glittering points. Three inches. Broya jabbed
forward,weakly,andJezalflickeditawaywithoutthinking.
Thebladesranggentlytogetherand,asthoughthatwereasignalprearranged
witheverypersoninthearena,theshoutingbeganagain,scatteredcallstobegin
with:
“Killhim,Luthar!”
“Yes!”
“Jab!Jab!”
But soon dissolving once more into the rumbling, angry sea of the crowd,
risingandfallingwiththemovementsinthecircle.
ThemoreJezalsawofthislankyidiot,thelessdauntedhebecame.Hisnerves
began to subside. Broya jabbed, clumsy, and Jezal barely had to move. Broya
cut, without conviction, and Jezal parried, without effort. Broya lunged,
positively inept, off-balance and overextended. Jezal stepped around it and
jabbedhisopponentintheribswiththebluntpointofhislongsteel.Itwasallso
veryeasy.
“One for Luthar!” cried the referee, and a surge of cheering ran around the
stands.Jezalsmiledtohimself,baskingintheappreciationofthecrowd.Varuz
hadbeenright,thisboobwasnothingtoworryabout.Onemoretouchandhe’d
bethroughtothenextround.
He returned to his mark and Broya did the same, rubbing his ribs with one
hand and staring at Jezal balefully from beneath his brows. Jezal was not
intimidated.Angrylooksareonlyanyuseifyoucanfightworthadamn.
“Begin!”
Theyclosedquicklythistime,andexchangedacutortwo.
Jezalcouldhardlybelievehowslowlyhisopponentwasmoving,itwasasif
hisswordsweighedatoneach.Broyafishedaroundintheairwithhislongsteel,
tryingtousehisreachtopinJezaldown.Hehadbarelyusedhisshortsteelyet,
letalonecoordinatedthetwo.Worsestill,hewasstartingtolookoutofbreath,
andthey’dbarelybeenfencingtwominutes.Hadhetrainedatall,thisbumpkin?
Orhadtheysimplymadeupthenumberswithsomeservantoffthestreet?Jezal
jumpedaway,dancedaroundhisopponent.Broyaflappedafterhim,doggedbut
incompetent. It was starting to become embarrassing. Nobody enjoys a
mismatch, and this dunce’s clumsiness was denying Jezal the opportunity to
shine.
“Oh come on!” he shouted. A surge of laughter flowed around the stands.
Broyagrittedhisteethandcameonwitheverythinghehad,butitwasn’tmuch.
Jezal swatted his feeble efforts aside, dodged around them, flowed across the
circle while his witless opponent lumbered after, always three steps behind.
Therewasnoprecision,nospeed,nothought.Afewminutesbefore,Jezalhad
been half-terrified by the prospect of fencing with this gangling fool. Now he
wasalmostbored.
“Hah!” he cried, switching suddenly onto the attack, catching his opponent
off-balance with a savage cut, sending him stumbling back. The crowd came
alive, roaring their support. He jabbed and jabbed again. Broya blocked
desperately,alloff-balance,reeledbackwards,parriedonelasttimethentripped,
hisarmsflailing,shortsteelflyingoutofhishand,andpitchedoutofthecircle
ontohisarse.
Therewasawaveoflaughter,andJezalcouldnothelpbutjoinin.Thepoor
doltlookedquiteamusing,knockedonhisbackwithhislegsintheairlikesome
sortofturtle.
“Captain Luthar wins!” roared the referee, “two to nothing!” The laughter
turnedtojeeringasBroyarolledover.Helookedonthevergeoftears,theoaf.
Jezalsteppedforwardsandofferedhishand,butfoundhimselfunabletoentirely
wipe the smirk off his face. His beaten adversary pointedly ignored his help,
pushinghimselfupfromthegroundandgivinghimalookhalfhating,halfhurt.
Jezalshruggedpleasantly.“It’snotmyfaultyou’reshit.”
“More?”askedKaspa,holding outthe bottlein awobbly hand,eyes misted
overwithtoomuchbooze.
“Nothanks.”JezalpushedthebottlegentlyawaybeforeKaspahadthechance
to pour. He looked blearily bewildered for a moment, then he turned to
Jalenhorm.
“More?”
“Always.”Thebigmanslidhisglassacrosstheroughtabletopinawaythat
said,“Iamnotdrunk”,thoughheclearlywas.Kaspaloweredthebottletowards
it,squintingattheglassasthoughitwasagreatdistanceaway.Jezalwatchedthe
neckofthebottlewobblingintheair,thenrattlingontheedgeoftheglass.The
inevitabilityofitwasalmostpainfultobehold.Winespilledoutacrossthetable,
splashingintoJalenhorm’slap.
“You’redrunk!”complainedthebigman,staggeringtohisfeetandbrushing
athimselfwithbig,drunkenhands,knockinghisstooloverintheprocess.Afew
oftheotherpatronseyedtheirtablewithevidentdisdain.
“Alwaysh,”giggledKaspa.
Westlookedupbrieflyfromhisglass.“You’rebothdrunk.”
“Not our fault.” Jalenhorm groped for his stool. “It’s him!” He pointed an
unsteadyfingeratJezal.
“He won!” gurgled Kaspa. “You won, didn’t you, and now we got to
celebrate!”
Jezal wished they didn’t have to celebrate quite so much. It was becoming
embarrassing.
“My cousin Ariss wa’ there—saw whole thing. She was ver impressed.”
Kaspa flung his arm round Jezal’s shoulder. “Think she’s quite shmitten with
you…shmitten…shmitten.”HeworkedhiswetlipsinJezal’sface,tryingtoget
his mouth round the word. “She’s ver rich you know, ver rich indeed.
Shmitten.”
Jezal wrinkled his nose. He had not the slightest interest in that ghostly
simpletonofacousin,howeverrichshewas,andKaspa’sbreathstank.“Good…
lovely”HedisentangledhimselffromtheLieutenantandshovedhimaway,none
toogently.
“So,whenarewestartingonthisbusinessintheNorth?”demandedBrint,a
littletooloud,asthoughheforonecouldn’twaittogetunderway.“SoonIhope,
homebeforewinter,eh,Major?”
“Huh,”snortedWest,frowningtohimself,“we’llbeluckytohaveleftbefore
winter,theratewe’regoing.”
Brintlooked alittletaken aback.“Well,I’msure we’ll givethese savages a
thrashing,wheneverwegetthere.”
“Give’emathrashing!”criedKaspa.
“Aye.”Jalenhormnoddedhisagreement.
Westwasnotinthemood.“Iwouldn’tbetoosureaboutthat.Haveyouseen
the state of some of these levies? They can hardly walk, let alone fight. It’s a
disgrace.”
Jalenhorm dismissed all this with an angry wave of his hand. “They’re
nothingbutfuckingsavages,thelotof’em!We’llknock’emontheirarses,like
Jezaldidthatidiottoday,eh,Jezal?Homebeforewinter,everyonesaysso!”
“Do you know the land up there?” asked West, leaning across the table.
“Forests, mountains, rivers, on and on. Precious little open space to fight in,
preciousfewroadstomarchon.You’vegottocatchamanbeforethethrashing
canstart.Homebeforewinter?Nextwinter,maybe,ifwecomebackatall.”
Brint’seyeswerewideopenandhorrified.“Youcan’tmeanthat!”
“No… no, you’re right.” West sighed and shook himself. “I’m sure it’ll all
turn out fine. Glory and promotions all round. Home before winter. I’d take a
coatwithyouthough,justincase.”
Anuneasysilencedescendedonthegroup.Westhadthathardfrownonhis
facethathegotsometimes,thefrownthatsaidthey’dgetnomorefunoutofhim
tonight.BrintandJalenhormlookedpuzzledandsurly.OnlyKaspamaintained
hisgoodhumour,andhewaslollingbackinhischair,eyeshalfclosed,blissfully
unawareofhissurroundings.
Somecelebration.
Jezal himself felt tired, annoyed, and worried. Worried about the Contest,
worriedaboutthewar…worriedaboutArdee.Theletterwasstillthere,folded
upinhispocket.HeglancedsidelongatWest,thenquicklyaway.Damn,hefelt
guilty.Hehadneverreallyfeltguiltybefore,andhedidn’tlikeitonebit.Ifhe
didn’tmeether,hewouldfeelguiltyforleavingheronherown.Ifhedid,he’d
feelguiltyforbreakinghiswordtoWest.Itwasadilemmaalright.Jezalchewed
athisthumb-nail.Whatthehellwasitaboutthisdamnfamily?
“Well,”saidWestsharply,“Ihavetobegoing.Earlystarttomorrow.”
“Mmm,”mutteredBrint.
“Right,”saidJalenhorm.
WestlookedJezalrightintheeye.“CanIhaveaword?”Hisexpressionwas
serious, grave, angry even. Jezal’s heart lurched. What if West had found out
about the letter? What if Ardee had told him? The Major turned away, moved
over towards a quiet corner. Jezal stared around, desperately seeking for some
wayout.
“Jezal!”calledWest.
“Yes, yes.” He got up with the greatest reluctance and followed his friend,
flashing what he hoped was an innocent-seeming smile. Perhaps it was
somethingelse.NothingtodowithArdee.Pleaseletitbesomethingelse.
“Idon’twantanyoneelsetoknowaboutthis…”Westlookedroundtomake
surenoone waswatching.Jezal swallowed.Anymomentnowhewould geta
punch in the face. At least one. He had never been punched in the face, not
properly.Agirlslappedhimprettyhardonce,butthatwashardlythesame.He
preparedhimselfasbesthecould,grittinghisteeth,wincingslightly.“Burrhas
setadate.We’vegotfourweeks.”
Jezalstaredback.“What?”
“Untilweembark.”
“Embark?”
“ForAngland,Jezal!”
“Oh,yes…Angland,ofcourse!Fourweeksyousay?”
“Ithoughtyouought toknow, sinceyou’re busywiththeContest,soyou’d
havetimetogetready.Keepittoyourself,though.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”Jezalwipedhissweatyforehead.
“Youalright?Youlookpale.”
“I’mfine,fine.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Allthisexcitement,youknow,the
fencingand…everything.”
“Don’t worry, you did well today.” West clapped him on the shoulder. “But
there’s a lot more to do. Three more bouts before you can call yourself a
champion,andthey’llonlygetharder.Don’tgetlazy,Jezal—anddon’tgettoo
drunk!”hethrewoverhisshoulderashemadeforthedoor.Jezalbreathedalong
sighofreliefashereturnedtothetablewheretheothersweresitting.Hisnose
wasstillintact.
Brint had already started to complain, now he could see that West wasn’t
comingback.“Whatthehellwasallthat?”heasked,frowningandjabbinghis
thumbatthedoor.“Imeantosay,well,Iknowhe’ssupposedtobethebighero
andallofthatbut,well,Imeantosay!”
Jezalstareddownathim.“Whatdoyoumeantosay?”
“Well,totalkthatway!It’s,it’sdefeatist!”Thedrinkwaslendinghimcourage
now, and he was warming to his topic. “It’s… well, I mean to say… it’s
cowardlytalkiswhatitis!”
“Now, look here, Brint,” snapped Jezal, “he fought in three pitched battles,
andhewasfirstthroughthebreachatUlrioch!Hemaynotbeanobleman,but
he’s a damn courageous fellow! Added to that he knows soldiering, he knows
MarshalBurr,andheknowsAngland!Whatdoyouknow,Brint?”Jezalcurled
hislip.“Excepthowtoloseatcardsandemptyawinebottle?”
“That’sallamanneedstoknowinmybook,”laughedJalenhormnervously,
doing his best to calm the situation. “More wine!” he bellowed at no one in
particular.
Jezal dropped down on his stool. If the company had been subdued before
Westleft,itwasevenmoresonow.Brintwassulking.Jalenhormwasswaying
onhisstool.Kaspahadfallensoundlyasleep,sprawledoutonthewettabletop,
hisbreathingmakingquietslurpingsounds.
Jezal drained his wine glass, and stared round at the unpromising faces.
Damn,hewasbored.Itwasafact,hewasonlynowbeginningtorealise,thatthe
conversationofthedrunkisonlyinterestingtothedrunk.Afewglassesofwine
can be the difference between finding a man a hilarious companion or an
insufferablemoron.HewonderedifhehimselfwasastediousdrunkasKaspa,
orJalenhorm,orBrint.
Jezal gave a thin smile as he looked over at the sulking bastard. If he were
King, he mused, he would punish poor conversation with death, or at least a
lengthyprisonterm.Hestoodupfromhischair.
Jalenhormstaredupathim.“Whatyoudoing?”
“Better get some rest,” snapped Jezal, “need to train tomorrow.” It was the
mosthecoulddonottojustrunoutoftheplace.
“Butyouwon!Ain’tyougoingtocelebrate?”
“Firstround. I’ve still threemoremen to beat, andthey’llall be better than
thatoaftoday.”Jezaltookhiscoatfromthebackofthechairandpulleditover
hisshoulders.
“Sultself,”saidJalenhorm,thenslurpednoisilyfromhisglass.
Kasparaisedhisheadfromthetableforamoment,hairononesideplastered
tohisskullwithspilledwine.“Goingshoshoon?”
“Mmm,”saidJezalasheturnedandstalkedout.
There was a cold wind blowing in the street outside. It made him feel even
more sober than before. Painfully sober. He badly needed some intelligent
company,butwherecouldhefinditatthistimeofnight?Therewasonlyone
placehecouldthinkof.
He slipped the letter out of his pocket and read it in the dim light from the
tavern’swindows,justonemoretime.Ifhehurriedhemightstillcatchher.He
began to walk slowly towards the Four Corners. Just to talk, that was all. He
neededsomeonetotalkto…
No.Heforcedhimselftostop.Couldhetrulypretendthathewantedtobeher
friend?Afriendshipbetweenamanandawomanwaswhatyoucalleditwhen
onehadbeenpursuingtheotherforalongtime,andhadnevergotanywhere.He
hadnointerestinthatarrangement.
Whatthen?Marriage?Toagirlwithnobloodand nomoney? Unthinkable!
He imagined bringing Ardee home to meet his family. Here is my new wife,
father!Wife?Andherconnectionsare?Heshudderedatthethought.
Butwhatiftheycouldfindsomethinginbetween,whereeveryonewouldbe
comfortable?Hisfeetbeganslowlytomove.Notfriendship,notmarriage,but
somelooser arrangement? Hestrodedown the roadtowardsthe Four Corners.
Theycouldmeetdiscreetly,andtalk,andlaugh,somewherewithabedmaybe…
No.No.Jezalstoppedagainandslappedthesideofhisheadinfrustration.He
couldn’t let that happen, even supposing she would. West was one thing, but
whatifotherpeoplefoundout?Itwouldn’thurthisreputationany,ofcourse,but
herswouldberuined.Ruined.Hisfleshcreptatthethought.Shedidn’tdeserve
that,surely.Itwasn’tgoodenoughtosayitwasherproblem.Notgoodenough.
Justsohe couldhavealittlefun?The selfishnessofit.Hewasamazedthatit
hadneveroccurredtohimbefore.
Sohehadreasonedhimselfintoacornerthen,justashehaddonetentimes
alreadytoday:nothinggoodcouldcomefromseeingher.Theywouldbeawayto
warsoonanyway,andthatwouldputanendtohisridiculouspining.Hometo
bed then, and train all day tomorrow. Train and train until Marshal Varuz had
batteredher outofhis thoughts. Hetook a deepbreath,squared hisshoulders,
turnedandsetofftowardstheAgriont.
ThestatueofHarodtheGreatloomedoutofthedarknessonamarbleplinth
almostas tallasJezal, seemingfar toobigand grandforits quietlittle square
near the Four Corners. He had been jumping at shadows all the way here,
avoidingpeople,doinghisbesttobeinconspicuous.Thereweren’tmanypeople
aroundthough.Itwaslate,andmostlikelyArdeewouldhavegivenupwaitinga
longtimeago,providedshewaseventheretobeginwith.
He crept nervously around the statue, peering into the shadows, feeling an
absolutefool.Hehadwalkedthroughthissquaremanytimesbeforeandnever
givenitasecondthought.Wasitnotapublicspaceafterall?Hehadasmuch
rightasanyonetobehere,butsomehowhestillfeltlikeathief.
The square was empty. That was a good thing. All for the best. There was
nothing to gain, everything to lose, and so forth. So why did he feel so
completelycrushed?HestaredupatHarod’sface,lockedintothatstonyfrown
thatsculptorsreserveforthetrulygreat.Hehadafine,strongjaw,didHarod,
almosttheequalofJezal’sown.
“Wake up!” hissed a voice by his ear. Jezal let vent to a girlish squeal,
scrambled away, tripped, only stayed upright by clawing at King Harod’s
enormousfoot.Therewasadarkfigurebehindhim,ahoodedfigure.
Laughter.“Noneedtopissyourself.”Ardee.Shepushedbackherhood.Light
fromawindowslantedacrossthebottompartofherface,catchingherlop-sided
smile.“It’sonlyme.”
“I didn’t see you,” he mumbled pointlessly, quickly releasing his desperate
griponthehugestonefootanddoinghisbesttoappearatease.Hehadtoadmit
itwasapoor start.He hadno talentfor thiscloak-and-dagger business.Ardee
seemedquitecomfortable,though.Itmadehimwonderwhethershehadn’tdone
itallbefore.
“You’vebeenprettyhardtoseeyourself,lately,”shesaid.
“Well,er,”hemuttered,heartstillthumpingfromtheshock,“I’vebeenbusy,
whatwiththeContestandall…”
“Ah,theall-importantContest.Isawyoufighttoday.”
“Youdid?”
“Veryimpressive.”
“Er,thankyou,I—”
“Mybrothersaidsomething,didn’the?”
“What,aboutfencing?”
“No,numbskull.Aboutme.”
Jezalpaused,tryingtoworkoutthebestwaytoanswerthatone.“Wellhe—”
“Areyouscaredofhim?”
“No!”Silence.“Alright,yes.”
“Butyoucameanyway.IsupposeIshouldbeflattered.”Shewalkedslowly
around him, looking him up and down, from feet to forehead and back again.
“Youtookyourtime,though.It’slate.I’llhavetobegettinghomesoon.”
There was something about the way she was looking at him which was not
helpingtocalmhisthumpingheart.Quitetheopposite.Hehadtotellherthathe
could not see her any more. It was the wrong thing to do. For both of them.
Nothinggoodcouldcomefromit…nothinggood…
Hewasbreathingquick,tense,excited,unabletotakehiseyesawayfromher
shadowyface.Hehadtotellher,now.Wasn’tthatwhyhecame?Heopenedhis
mouthtospeak,buttheargumentsallseemedalongwayawaynow,applyingat
adifferenttimeandtodifferentpeople,intangibleandweightless.
“Ardee…”hebegan.
“Mmm?” She stepped towards him, head cocked on one side. Jezal tried to
move away, but the statue was at his back. She came closer still, lips slightly
parted,hereyesfixedonhismouth.Whatwassowronginit,anyway?
Closerstill,herfaceturneduptowardshis.Hecouldsmellher—hisheadwas
fullofthescentofher.Hecouldfeelherwarmbreathonhischeek.Whatcould
bewrongwiththis?
Herfingertipswerecoldagainsthisskin,brushingthesideofhisface,tracing
thelineofhisjaw,curlingthroughhishairandpullinghisheaddowntowards
her. Her lips touched his cheek, soft and warm, then his chin, then his mouth.
They sucked gently at his. She pressed herself up against him, her other hand
slippedroundhisback.Hertonguelappedathisgums,athisteeth,athistongue,
and she made little sounds in her throat. So did he, perhaps—he really wasn’t
sure. His whole body was tingling, hot and cold at once, his mind was in his
mouth.Itwasasifhe’d neverkisseda girlbefore.What couldbewrongwith
this?Herteethnippedathislips,almostpainful,butnotquite.
Heopenedhiseyes:breathless,trembling,weakattheknees.Shewaslooking
up at him. He could see her eyes gleaming in the darkness, watching him
carefully,studyinghim.
“Ardee…”
“What?”
“When can I see you again?” His throat was dry, his voice sounded hoarse.
Shelookeddownatthegroundwithalittlesmile.Acruelsmile,asthoughshe’d
calledhisbluffandwonapileofmoneyfromhim.Hedidn’tcare.“When?”
“Oh,I’llletyouknow.”
Hehadtokissheragain.Shitontheconsequences.FuckWest.Damnitall.
Hebentdowntowardsher,closedhiseyes.
“No,no,no.”Shepushedhismouthawayfromhers.“Youshouldhavecome
sooner.”Shebrokeawayfromhimandturnedaround,withthesmilestillonher
lips, and walked slowly away. He watched her, silent, frozen, fascinated, his
backagainstthecoldstonebaseofthestatue.Hehadneverfeltlikethisbefore.
Notever.
Sheglancedback,justonce,asiftocheckthathewasstillwatching.Hischest
constricted, almost painfully, just to see her look at him, then she rounded a
cornerandwasgone.
Hestoodthereforamoment,hiseyeswideopen,justbreathing.Thenacold
gustofwindblewthroughthesquareandtheworldpressedbackinuponhim.
Fencing, the war, his friend West, his obligations. One kiss, that was all. One
kiss,andhisresolvehadleakedawaylikepissfromabrokenchamberpot.He
staredaround,suddenlyguilty,confused,andscared.Whathadhedonehere?
“Shit,”hesaid.
DarkWork
A burning thing can make all kind of smells. A live tree, fresh and sappy,
smellsdifferentablazetoadeadone,dryandwithered.Apigalightandaman
smell much the same, but there’s another story. This burning that the Dogman
smellednow,thatwasahouse.Heknewit,sureassure.Asmellheknewbetter
thanhe’dhaveliked.Housesdon’tburnontheirowntoooften.Usuallythere’s
someviolenceinit.Thatmeantmenaround,mostlikely,andreadyforafight,
sohe creptrightcareful downbetweenthetrees,slid onhisbelly totheedge,
andpeeredoutthroughthebrush.
Hesawitnow,rightenough.Blacksmokeinatallpillar,risingupfromaspot
downneartheriver.Asmallhouse,stillsmoking,butburneddowntothelow
stonewalls.There’dbeenabarntoo,butnothingmorenowthanapileofblack
sticksandblackdirt.Acoupleoftreesandapatchoftilledearth.Itwasapoor
enoughlivingatthebestoftimes,farmingthisfarnorth.Toocoldtogrowmuch
—afewrootsmaybe,andsomesheeptoherd.Apigortwo,ifyouwerelucky.
Dogmanshookhishead.Who’dwanttoburnoutfolksaspoorasthis?Who’d
want to steal this stubborn patch of land? Some men just like to burn, he
reckoned.Heeasedoutatouchfurther,lookingrightandleftdownthevalleyfor
somesignoftheonesasdidthis,butafewstringysheepspreadoutacrossthe
valleysideswasallhecouldseemoving.Hewriggledbackintothebrush.
His heart sank as he sneaked back towards the camp. Voices raised, and
arguing,asever.Hewonderedforaminutewhethertojustgopastandkeepon
going,hewasthatsickoftheendlessbickering.Hedecidedagainstitintheend,
though.Itain’tmuchofascoutwholeaveshispeoplebehind.
“Why don’t you shut your hole, Dow?” Tul Duru’s rumbling voice. “You
wanted south, and when we went south all you did was moan about the
mountains!Nowwe’reouto’themountainsyougrumbleon youremptybelly
alldayandallnight!I’vehadmyfillofit,youwhiningdog!”
NowcameBlackDow’snastygrowl.“Whyshouldyougettwiceasmuchto
eat,just’causeyou’reagreatfatpig?”
“Youlittlebastard!I’llcrushyoulikethewormy’are!”
“I’llcutyourneckwhileyousleepyougreatpileo’meat!Thenwe’llallhave
plentytoeat!Atleastwe’dallberidofyourfuckingsnoring!Iknownowwhy
theynamedyouThunderhead,yourumblingsow!”
“Shut your holes the pair of you!” Dogman heard Threetrees roaring, loud
enoughtowakethedead.“I’msickofit!”
Hecouldseethemnow,thefiveofthem.TulDuruandBlackDow,bristling
up to one another, Threetrees in between them with his hands up, Forley sat
watching,justlookingsad,andGrim,notevenwatching,checkinghisshafts.
“Oy!”hissedDogman,andtheyallsnappedroundtolookathim.
“It’stheDogman,”saidGrim,barelylookingupfromhisarrows.Therewas
nounderstandingthatman.Hespokenothingatallfordaysonend,thenwhen
hedidspeakitwastosaywhattheycouldallseealready.
Forleywaskeentodistractthelads,asalways.Itwasahardguesshowlong
they’d keep from killing each other without him around. “What did you find,
Dogman?”heasked.
“Whatdoyouknow,Ifoundfivestupidfuckingbastardsoutinthewoods!”
hehissed,steppingoutfromthetrees.“Icouldhearthemfromamileaway!And
theywereNamedMenthese,wouldyoubelieve,menwhoshouldhaveknown
better!Fightingamongthemselvesasalways!Fivestupidbastards—”
Threetreesraisedhishand.“Alright,Dogman.Weshouldknowbetter.”And
hegloweredatTulandDow.Theygloweredateachother,buttheysaidnothing
more.“Whatdidyoufind?”
“There’s fighting going on hereabouts, or something like it. I seen a farm
burning.”
“Burning,sayyou?”askedTul.
“Aye.”
Threetreesfrowned.“Takeustoit,then.”
TheDogmanhadn’tseenthisfromupinthetrees.Couldn’thave.Toosmoky
andtoofar toseethis. Hesawitnowthough,rightupclose,anditmadehim
sick.Theyallsawit.
“This is some dark work here alright,” said Forley, looking up at the tree.
“Somedarkwork.”
“Aye,”mumbledDogman.Hecouldn’tthinkofoughtelsetosay.Thebranch
creaked as the old man swung slowly round, his bare feet dangling near the
earth.Mighthavebeenhetriedtofight,he’dgottwoarrowsthroughhim.The
woman was too young to be his wife. His daughter, maybe. The Dogman
guessed the two young ones were her children. “Who’d hang a child?” he
muttered.
“Icanthinkofsomeblackenough,”saidTul.
Dowspatonthegrass.“Meaningme?”hegrowled,andthetwoof’emwere
offagainlikehammeronanvil.“Iburnedsomefarms,andavillageortwoan
all,buttherewerereasons,thatwaswar.Iletthechildrenlive.”
“Ihearddifferent,”saidTul.Dogmanclosedhiseyesandsighed.
“YouthinkIgiveadog’sarseforwhatyouheard?”Dowbarked.“Mightbe
myname’sblackerthanIdeserve,yougiantshit!”
“Iknowwhatyoudeserve,youbastard!”
“Enough!” growled Threetrees, frowning up at the tree. “Have you no
respect? The Dogman’s right. We’re out of the mountains now and there’s
trouble brewing. There’ll be no more of this squabbling. No more. Quiet and
coldfromnowon,likethewinter-time.We’reNamedMenwithmen’sworkto
do.”
Dogmannodded,happytohearsomesenseatlast.“There’sfightingnearby,”
hesaid,“therehastobe.”
“Uh,”saidGrim,thoughitwashardtosayexactlywhathewasagreeingwith.
Threetrees’eyewasstillfixedontheswingingbodies.“You’reright.Weneed
toputourmindsonthatnow.Onthatandnothingelse.We’lltrackthecrowdas
didthisandseewhatthey’refightingfor.We’lldonogooduntilweknowwho’s
fightingwho.”
“Whoever did this fights for Bethod,” said Dow. “You can tell just by the
looking.”
“We’ll see. Tul and Dow, cut these folks down and bury ’em. Maybe that
task’llputsomesteelbackinyou.”Thetwoofthemscowledateachother,but
Threetreespaid’emnomind.“Dogman,yougoandsniffoutthoseasdidthis.
Sniff’emout,andwe’llpay’emavisittonight.Avisitliketheypaidtothese
folkshere.”
“Aye,”saidDogman,keentogetonanddoit.“We’llpay’emavisit.”
TheDogmancouldn’tworkitout.Iftheywereinafighttheselot,afraidof
being caught out by an enemy, they weren’t making too much of an effort to
cover their tracks. He followed them simple as could be, five of them he
reckoned. Must’ve strolled nice and easy away from the burning farm, down
throughthevalley beside theriverandoffinto the woods. Thetrackswere so
clear he got a little worried time to time, thinking they must be playing some
trickonhim,watchingoutthereinthetrees,waitingtohanghimfromabranch.
Seemedtheyweren’tthough,’causehecaughtuptothemjustbeforenightfall.
Firstofallhesmelledtheirmeat—muttonroasting.Nextheheardtheirvoices
—talking,shouting,laughing,makingnotthemeanestattempttostayquiet,easy
tohearevenwiththeriverbubblingbeside.Thenhesawthem,sittingrounda
great big fire in a clearing, a sheep’s carcass skinned on a spit above it, taken
fromthose farmers nodoubt.The Dogmancroucheddown in thebushes, nice
and still like they should have been. He counted five men, or four and a boy
about fourteen years. They were all just sitting, no one standing guard, no
cautionatall.Hecouldn’tworkitout.
“They’re just sitting there,” he whispered when he got back to the others.
“Justsitting.Noguard,nonothing.”
“Justsitting?”askedForley.
“Aye.Fiveof’em.Sittingandlaughing.Idon’tlikeit.”
“Idon’tlikeitneither,”saidThreetrees,“butIlikewhatIsawatthatfarmstill
less.”
“Weapons,”hissedDow.“Weapons,ithastobe.”
Foronce,Tulagreedwithhim.“Weapons,chief.Let’sgive’emalesson.”
NotevenForleyspokeupforstayingoutofafightthistime,butThreetrees
thought it out for a bit still, taking his moment, not to be hurried. Then he
nodded.“Weaponsitis.”
You won’tseeBlackDow in thedark,not if hedon’twantto be seen.You
won’t hear him neither, but the Dogman knew he was there as he crept down
through the trees. You fight with a man for long enough, you get an
understanding. You learn how he thinks and you come to think the same way.
Dowwasthere.
TheDogmanhadhistask.Hecouldseetheoutlineoftheoneonthefarright,
hisbackablackshapeagainstthefire.Dogmandidn’tsparetoomuchthought
for the others yet. He spared no thought for anything but his task. Once you
choosetogo,oryourchiefchoosesforyou,yougoalltheway,andneverlook
back til the task’s done. The time you spend thinking is the time you’ll get
killedin.Logentaughthimthatandhe’dtakenitrighttoheart.That’sthewayit
hastobe.
Dogman crept closer, and closer still, feeling the warmth of the fire on his
face,feelingthehardmetaloftheknifeinhishand.Bythedeadheneededto
piss,asalways.Thetaskwasn’tbutastrideawaynow.Theboywasfacinghim
—ifhe’dhavelookedupfastfromhismeathe’dhaveseentheDogmancoming,
buthewastoobusyeating.
“Gurgh!”shoutedone oftheothers. ThatmeantDow’dgottohim,andthat
meanthewasfinished.Dogmanleapedforwardandstabbedhistaskintheside
of the neck. He reared up for a moment, clutching at his cut throat, took a
stumbleforwardandfellover.Oneoftheothersjumpedup,droppinghishalf-
chewedlegofmuttonontheground,thenanarrowstuckhimthroughthechest.
Grim,outbytheriver.Helookedsurprisedaminute,thenhesankdownonhis
knees,facetwistedupwithpain.
Thatleftbuttwo,andtheboywasstillsittingthere,staringat theDogman,
mouthhalfopenwithabitofmeathangingoutofit.Thelastofthemwasstood
up,breathingquick,withalongknifeinhishand.Hemusthavehaditoutfor
eatingwith.
“Drop the blade!” bellowed Threetrees. The Dogman saw the old boy now,
striding towards them, the firelight catching the metal rim of his big round
shield.Themanchewedonhislip,eyesflickingfromDogmantoDowasthey
movedslowlytoeithersideofhim.NowhesawtheThunderhead,loomingout
ofthedarknessinthetrees,seemingtoobigtobeaman,hisgreathugesword
glintingoverhisshoulder.Thatwasenoughforhim.Hethrewhisknifedownin
thedirt.
Dowjumpedforward,grabbedhiswristsandtiedthemtightbehindhim,then
shovedhimdownonhiskneesbesidethefire.TheDogmandidthesamewith
theboy,histeethclenchedtight,notsayingaword.Thewholethingwasdonein
an instant, quiet and cold like Threetrees said. There was blood on Dogman’s
hands, but that was the work and couldn’t be helped. The others were making
their way over now. Grim came sloshing through the river, throwing his bow
acrosshisshoulder.Hegavetheoneheshotakickashecamepast,butthebody
didn’tmove.
“Dead,”saidGrim.Forleywasattheback,peeringatthetwoprisoners.Dow
wasstaringattheonehe’dtied,staringathimhard.
“Iknowthisone’ere,”hesaid,soundingquitepleasedaboutittoo.“Groathe
Mire,ain’tit?Whatachance!You’vebeengnawingatthebackofmymindfor
sometime.”
The Mire scowled down at the ground. A cruel-looking sort, the Dogman
thought,thetypethatmighthangfarmers,iftherewasone.“Aye,I’mtheMire.
Noneed toaskyour names!Whenthey findyou’vekilled someo’ theKing’s
collectorsyou’llbedeadmenall!”
“BlackDow,theycallme.”
TheMire’sheadcameup,hismouthwideopen.“Ohfuck,”hewhispered.
Theboykneelingnexttohimstaredroundwithbigeyes.“BlackDow?You
what?NotthesameBlackDowas…ohfuck.”
Dow nodded slowly, with that nasty smile spreading across his face, that
killingsmile.“GroatheMire.You’veallkindofworktopayfor.I’vehadyouin
mymind,andnowyou’reinmyeye.”Hepattedhimonthecheek.“Andinmy
handtoo.Whatahappychance.”
TheMiresnatchedhisfaceaway,asfarashecould,trusseduplikehewas.“I
thoughtyouwereinhell,BlackDow,youbastard!”
“So did I, but I was only north o’ the mountains. We’ve questions for you,
Mire,beforeyougetwhat’sdue.Who’sthisking?Whatisityou’recollecting
forhim?”
“Fuckyourquestions!”
Threetrees hit him on the side of his head, hard, where he couldn’t see it
coming. When he turned round to look, Dow cracked him on the other side.
Backandforthhisheadwent,tillhewassoftenoughtotalk.
“What’sthefight?”askedThreetrees.
“We ain’t fighting!” spat the Mire through his broken teeth. “You might as
wellbedead,youbastards!Youdon’tknowwhat’shappened,doyer?”Dogman
frowned.Hedidn’tlikethesoundofthis.Soundedlikethingshadchangedwhile
theyweregone,andhe’dneveryetseenachangeforthebetter.
“I’lldothequestionshere,”saidThreetrees.“Youjustkeepyourtinymindon
theanswersto’em.Who’sstillfighting?Whowon’tkneeltoBethod?”
The Mire laughed, even tied up like he was. “There’s no one left! The
fighting’sover!Bethod’sKingnow.KingofalltheNorth!Everyonekneelsto
him—”
“Notus,”rumbledTulDuru,leaningdown.“WhataboutOldManYawl?”
“Dead!”
“WhataboutSything,orRattleneck?”
“Dead and dead, you stupid fucks! The only fighting now’s down south!
Bethod’s gone to war with the Union! Aye! And we’re giving ’em a beating
too!”
TheDogman wasn’tsurewhetherto believeit.King? There’d neverbeena
kingintheNorthbefore.There’dneverbeenaneedforone,andBethodwasthe
last one he’d have chosen. And making war on the Union? That was a fool’s
errand,surely.Therewerealwaysmoresoutherners.
“Ifthere’snofightinghere,”askedtheDogman,“whatyoukillingfor?”
“Fuckyourself!”
Tulslappedhimintheface,hard,andhefellonhisback.Dowputinakickof
hisown,thendraggedhimupstraightagain.
“Whatdidyoukill’emfor?”askedTul.
“Taxes!”shoutedtheMire,withbloodtricklingoutofhisnose.
“Taxes?” asked the Dogman. A strange word alright, he barely knew the
meaningofit.
“Theywouldn’tpay!”
“Taxesforwho?”askedDow.
“ForBethod,whodoyouthink?Hetookallthisland,broketheclansupand
tookitforhisown!Thepeopleowehim!Andwecollect!”
“Taxes, eh? That’s a fucking southern fashion and no mistake! And if they
can’tpay?”askedDogman,feelingsicktohisguts.“Youhang’em,doyou?”
“Iftheywon’tpaywecandoaswepleasewith’em!”
“Asyou please?” Tulgrabbedhim round theneck, squeezing withhisgreat
big hand til the Mire’s eyes were half popping out. “As you please? Does it
pleaseyoutohang’em?”
“Alright, Thunderhead,” said Dow, peeling Tul’s big fingers away, and
pushinghimgentlyback.“Alright,biglad,thisain’tforyou,tokillamantied
up.”Andhepattedhimonthechest,pullingouthisaxe.“It’sforworklikethis
youbringalongamanlikeme.”
The Mire had more or less got over his throttling now. “Thunderhead?” he
coughed, looking round at them. “It’s the whole lot of you, ain’t it! You’re
Threetrees, and Grim, and that’s the Weakest there! So you don’t kneel, eh?
Goodforfuckin’you!Where’sNinefingers?Eh?”jeeredtheMire.“Where’sthe
Bloody-Nine?”
Dowturnedround,runninghisthumbdowntheedgeofhisaxe.“Goneback
tothemud,andyou’rejoininghim.We’veheardenough.”
“Let me up, bastard!” shouted the Mire, struggling at his ropes. “You’re no
better’nme,BlackDow!You’vekilledmorefolkthantheplague!Letmeupand
givemeablade!Comeon!Youscaredtofightme,youcoward?Scaredtogivea
fairchanceareyer?”
“Callmecoward,wouldyou?”growledDow.“Youwho’skilledchildrenfor
thesportofit?Youhadabladeandyouletitdrop.Thatwasyourchanceand
you should have took it. The likes o’ you don’t deserve another. If you’ve
anythingtosayworthhearingyoubestsayitnow.”
“Shitonyer!”screamedtheMire,“Shitonthepackof—”
Dow’saxecrackedhimhardbetweentheeyesandknockedhimonhisback.
Hekickedalittlethenthatwasit.Notaoneofthemshedtoobigatearforthat
bastard—evenForleygavenomorethanawincewhenthebladewentin.Dow
leanedoverandspatonhiscorpse,andtheDogmanhardlyblamedhim.Theboy
wassomethingmoreofaproblem,though.Hestareddownatthebodywithbig,
wideeyes,thenhelookedup.
“You’rethem,ain’tya,”hesaid,“themasNinefingersbeat.”
“Aye,boy,”saidThreetrees,“we’rethem.”
“Iheardstories,storiesaboutyou.Whatyougoingtodowithme?”
“Well,there’sthequestion,ain’tit,”Dogmanmutteredtohimself.Shamewas,
healreadyknewtheanswer.
“Hecan’tstaywithus,”saidThreetrees.“Wecan’ttakethebaggageandwe
can’ttaketherisk.”
“He’sjustalad,”saidForley.“Wecouldlethimgo.”Itwasanicethought,
butitwasn’tholdingmuchwater,andtheyallknewit.Theboylookedhopeful,
butTulputanendtothat.
“We can’t trust him. Not here. He’d tell someone we were back, and then
we’dbehunted.Can’tdoit.Besides,hehadhispartinthatworkatthefarm.”
“Butwhat choicedidI ’ave?”askedthe boy.“Whatchoice? Iwantedto go
south!GosouthandfighttheUnion,andearnmyselfaname,buttheysentme
here,togettaxes.Mychiefsaysdoathing,Igottodoit,don’tI?”
“Youdo,”saidThreetrees.“Noonesaysyoucould’vedonedifferent.”
“Ididn’twantnopart ofit! Itoldhimtolet theyoung onesbe!Yougotto
believeme!”
Forleylookeddownathisboots.“Wedobelieveyou.”
“Butyou’regoingtofuckin’killmeanyway?”
Dogmanchewedathislip.“Can’ttakeyouwithus,can’tleaveyoube.”
“Ididn’twantnopartofit.”Theboyhunghishead.“Don’thardlyseemfair.”
“Itain’t,”saidThreetrees.“Itain’tfairatall.Butthereitis.”
Dow’saxehackedintothebackofthelad’sskullandhesprawledoutonhis
face.TheDogman winced andlookedaway.Heknew Dow did itthatway so
they wouldn’t have to look at the boy’s face. A good idea most likely, and he
hopedithelpedtheothers,butfaceuporfacedownwasallthesametohim.He
feltalmostassickashehadbackatthefarm.
Itwasn’ttheworstdayhe’deverhad,notbyalongway.Butitwasabadone.
The Dogman watched ’em filing down the road from a good spot up in the
treeswherenoonecouldseehim.Hemadesureitwasdownwindfrom’emtoo,
causebeinghonest,hewassmellingabitripe.Itwasastrangeoldprocession.
Ontheonehandtheylookedlikefightingmen,offtoaweapon-takeandthento
battle. On the other hand they were all wrong. Old weapons mostly, and odds
andsodsofmixeduparmour.Marching,butlooseandragged.Mostof’emtoo
oldtobeprimefighters,greyhairandbaldheads,andalotoftheresttooyoung
forbeards,hardlymorethanboys.
Seemed to the Dogman like nothing made sense in the North no more. He
thoughtonwhattheMirehadsaidbeforeDowkilledhim.WarwiththeUnion.
Weretheselotofftowar?IftheywerethenBethodmusthavebeenscrapingthe
pot.
“What’s to do, Dogman?” asked Forley, as he stepped back into the camp.
“What’shappeningdownthere?”
“Men.Armed,butnonetoowell.Fivescoreormore.Youngandoldmostly,
headingsouthandwest,”andtheDogmanpointedoffdowntheroad.
Threetrees nodded. “Towards Angland. He means it then, Bethod. He’s
making war on the Union, all the way. No amount of blood’s enough for that
one.He’stakingeverymancanholdaspear.”Thatwasnosurprise,initsway.
Bethodhadneverbeenoneforhalfmeasures.Hewasallornothing,anddidn’t
carewhogotkilledalongtheroad.“Everyman,”mutteredThreetreestohimself.
“IftheShankacomeoverthemountainsnow…”
Dogman looked round. Frowning, worried, dirty faces. He knew what
Threetreeswassaying,theycouldallseeit.IftheShankacamenow,withnoone
leftintheNorthtofight’em,thatbusinessatthefarmwouldbethebestofit.
“Wegottowarnsomeone!”shoutedForley,“wegottowarnthem!”
Threetreesshookhishead.“YouheardtheMire.Yawl’sgone,andRattleneck,
andSything.Alldeadandcold,andgonebacktothemud.Bethod’sKingnow,
KingoftheNorthmen.”BlackDowscowledandgobbedinthedirt.“Spitallyou
likeDow,butfactsisfacts.There’snoonelefttowarn.”
“Noone but Bethodhimself,”muttered theDogman,miserable at havingto
sayit.
“Thenwegottotellhim!”Forleylookedroundthemall,desperate.“Hemay
beaheartlessbastardbutatleasthe’saman!He’sbetterthantheFlatheadsain’t
he?Wegottotellsomeone!”
“Hah!” barked Dow. “Hah! You think he’ll listen to us, Weakest? You
forgotten what he told us? Us and Ninefingers too? Never come back! You
forgotten how close he come to killing us? You forgotten how much he hates
eachoneofus?”
“Fearsus,”saidGrim.
“Hatesandfearsus,”mutteredThreetrees,“andhe’swiseto.Becausewe’re
strong.Namedmen.Knownmen.Thetypeofmenthatotherswillfollow.”
Tulnoddedhisbighead.“Aye,there’llbenowelcomeforusatCarleonI’m
thinking.Nowelcomewithoutaspikeontheendofit.”
“I’m not strong!” shouted Forley. “I’m the Weakest, everyone knows that!
Bethod’sgotnoreasontofearme,nortohatemeneither.I’llgo!”
Dogmanlookedathim,surprised.Theyalldid.“You?”askedDow.
“Aye,me!Imaybenofighter,butI’mnocowardneither!I’llgoandtalkto
him.Maybehe’lllisten.”Dogmanstoodandstared.Itwassolongsinceanyone
ofthemhadtriedtotalktheirwayoutofafixhe’dforgottenitcouldbedone.
“Mightbehe’lllisten,”mutteredThreetrees.
“Hemightlisten,”saidTul.“Thenhemightbloodykillyou,Weakest!”
Dogmanshookhishead.“It’squiteachance.”
“Maybe,butit’sworththedoing,ain’tit?”
They all looked at each other, worried. It was some bones that Forley was
showing,nodoubt,buttheDogmandidn’tmuchlikethesoundofthisforaplan.
Hewasathinthreadtohangyourhopeson,wasBethod.Amightythinthread.
ButlikeThreetreessaid,therewasnooneelse.
WordsandDust
Kurster pranced around the outside of the circle, his long golden hair
bouncingonhisshoulders,wavingtothecrowd,blowingkissestothegirls.The
audience cheered and howled and whooped as the lithe young man made his
flashyrounds.HewasanAduan,anofficeroftheKing’sOwn.Alocalboy,and
soverypopular.
Bremer dan Gorst was leaning against the barrier, watching his opponent
dance through barely open eyes. His steels were unusually heavy-looking,
weightyandwornandwell-used,tooheavytobequickperhaps.Gorsthimself
lookedtooheavytobequick,cometothat,agreatthick-neckedbullofaman,
morelikeawrestlerthanaswordsman.Helookedtheunderdoginthisbout.The
majorityofthecrowdseemedtothinkso.ButIknowbetter.
Nearby a bet-maker was shouting odds, taking money from the babbling
peoplearoundhim.NearlyallofthebetswereforKurster.Gloktaleanedacross
fromhisbench.“WhatoddsareyougivingonGorstnow?”
“OnGorst?”askedthebet-maker,“evens.”
“I’lltaketwohundredmarks.”
“Sorry,friend,Ican’tcoverthat.”
“Ahundredthen,atfivetofour.”
Thebet-makerthoughtaboutitforamoment,lookingskywardsasheworked
outthesumsinhishead.“Done.”
Gloktasatbackastherefereeintroducedthecontestants,watchingGorstroll
uphisshirt-sleeves.Theman’sforearmswerethickastreetrunks,heavycords
ofmusclesquirmingasheworkedhismeatyfingers.Hestretchedhisthickneck
toonesideandtheother,thenhetookhissteelsfromhissecondandlooseda
couple of practice jabs. Few in the crowd noticed. They were busy cheering
Kursterashe tookhismark. ButGloktasaw.Quicker than helooks.Alot, lot
quicker.Thoseheavysteelsnolongerseemsoclumsy.
“BremerdanGorst!”shoutedthereferee,asthebigmantrudgedtohismark.
The applause was meagre indeed. This lumbering bull was no one’s idea of a
swordsman.
“Begin!”
Itwasn’tpretty.FromtheverystartGorstswunghisheavylongsteelingreat
heedless sweeps, like a champion woodsman chopping logs, giving throaty
growls with every blow. It was a strange sight. One man was in a fencing
contest,theotherseemedtothinkhewasfightingtothedeath.Youonlyhaveto
touch him, man, not split him in half. But as Glokta watched, he realised the
mightycutswerenotnearlysoclumsyastheyseemed.Theywerewell-timed,
and highly accurate. Kurster laughed as he danced away from the first great
swing,smiledashedodgedthethird,butbythefifthhissmilewaslonggone.
Anditdoesn’tlooklikecomingback.
Itwasn’tprettyatall.Butthepowerisundeniable.Kursterduckeddesperately
underanothergreatarcingcut.Thatonewashardenoughtotakehisheadoff,
bluntedsteelsorno.
Thecrowd’sfavouritedidhisbesttoseizetheinitiative,jabbingawayforall
hewasworth,butGorstwasmorethanequaltoit.Hegruntedasheturnedthe
jabsefficientlyawaywithhisshortsteel,thengrowledagainashebroughthis
long whistling around and over. Glokta winced as it smashed into Kursters
swordwitharesoundingcrash,snappingtheman’swristbackandnearlytearing
thesteelfromhisfingers.Hestumbledbackfromtheforceofit,grimacingwith
painandshock.
Now I realise why Gorst’s steels seem so worn. Kurster dodged around the
circle, trying to escape the onslaught, but the big man was too quick. Far too
quick.Gorsthadthemeasureofhimnow,anticipatingeverymovement,harrying
hisopponentwithrelentlessblows.Therewasnoescape.
Two heavy thrusts drove the hapless officer back towards the edge of the
circle,thenascythingcutrippedhislongsteelfromhishandandembeddedit,
wobbling wildly back and forth, in the turf. He staggered for a moment, eyes
wide, his empty hand trembling, then Gorst was on him, letting go a roar and
rammingfull-tiltintohisdefencelessribswithaheavyshoulder.
Gloktasplutteredwithlaughter.Ineversawaswordsmanflybefore. Kurster
actuallyturnedhalfasomersault,shriekinglikeagirlashetumbledthroughthe
air,crashingtothegroundwithhislimbsfloppingandslidingawayonhisface.
Hefinallycametorestinthesandoutsidethecircle,agoodthreestridesfrom
whereGorsthadhithim,groaningweakly.
Thecrowdwasinshock,soquietthatGlokta’scacklinghadtobeaudibleon
thebackrow.Kursterstrainerrushedfromhisenclosureandgentlyturnedhis
strickenstudentover.Theyoungmankickedweakly,whimperedandclutchedat
hisribs.Gorstwatchedfor a moment, emotionless, then shrugged and strolled
backtohismark.
Kursters trainer turned to the referee. “I am sorry,” he said, “but my pupil
cannotcontinue.”
Gloktacouldnothelphimself.Hehadtoclamphismouthshutwithhishands.
Hiswholebodywasshakingwithlaughter.Eachgurglecausedapainfulspasm
inhisneck,buthedidn’tcare.Itseemedthemajorityofthecrowdhadnotfound
thespectaclequitesoamusing.Angrymutteringssprangupallaroundhim.The
grumblingturnedtoboosasKursterwashelpedfromthecircle,drapedbetween
histrainerandhissecond,thentheboostoachorusofangryshouts.
Gorstswept the audiencewithhis lazy, half-openeyes,then shrugged again
and trudged slowly back to his enclosure. Glokta was still sniggering as he
limpedfromthearena,hispurseagooddealheavierthanwhenhearrived.He
hadn’thadthatmuchfuninyears.
The University stood in a neglected corner of the Agriont, directly in the
shadowoftheHouseoftheMaker,whereeventhebirdsseemedoldandtired.A
huge, ramshackle building, coated in half-dead ivy, its design plainly from an
earlierage.Itwassaidtobeoneoftheoldestbuildingsinthecity.Anditlooks
it.
The roofs were sagging in the middle, a couple of them close to outright
collapse.The delicatespireswerecrumbling, threateningtotopple offintothe
unkempt gardens below. The render on the walls was tired and grimy, and in
placeswholesectionshadfallenaway torevealthebare stonesand crumbling
mortarbeneath.Inonespotagreatbrownstainflaredoutdownthewallfroma
sectionofbrokenguttering.Therehadbeenatimewhenthestudyofsciences
had attracted some of the foremost men in the Union, when this building had
been among the grandest in the city. And Sult thinks the Inquisition is out of
fashion.
Twostatuesflankedthecrumblinggate.Twooldmen,onewithalamp,one
pointing at something in a book. Wisdom and progress or some such rubbish.
Theonewiththebookhadlosthisnosesometimeduringthepastcentury,the
other was leaning at an angle, his lamp stuck out despairingly as though
clutchingforsupport.
Gloktaraisedhisfistandhammeredontheancientdoors.Theyrattled,moved
noticeably, as if they might at any moment drop from their hinges. Glokta
waited.Waitedsometime.
Therewasasuddenclatterofboltsbeingdrawnback,andonehalfofthedoor
wobbled open a few inches. An ancient face wedged itself into the gap and
squinted out at him, lit underneath by a meagre taper clutched in a withered
hand.Dewyoldeyespeeredupanddown.“Yes?”
“InquisitorGlokta.”
“Ah,fromtheArchLector?”
Gloktafrowned,surprised.“Yes,that’sright.”Theycannotbehalfsocutoff
fromtheworldastheyappear.HeseemstoknowwhoIam.
Itwasperilouslydarkwithin.Twoenormousbrasscandelabrasstoodoneither
sideofthedoor,buttheywerestrippedofcandlesandhadlonggoneunpolished,
shining dully in the weak light from the porters little taper. “This way, sir,”
wheezedtheoldman,shamblingoff,bentnearlydouble.EvenGloktahadlittle
troublekeepingupwithhimashecreptawaythroughthegloom.
They shuffled together down a shadowy hallway. The windows on one side
wereancient,madewithtinypanesofglasssodirtythattheywouldhaveletin
little enough light on the sunniest of days. They let in none whatever as the
sulleneveningcameon.Theflickeringcandleflamedancedoverdustypaintings
ontheoppositewall,paleoldmenindarkgownsofblackandgrey,gazingwild-
eyed from their flaking frames, flasks and cog-wheels and pairs of compasses
clutchedintheiragedhands.
“Where are we going?” asked Glokta, after they had shambled through the
murkforseveralminutes.
“TheAdeptiareatdinner,”wheezedtheporter,glancingupathimwitheyes
infinitelytired.
The University’s dining hall was an echoing cavern of a room, lifted one
degreeabovetotaldarknessbyafewgutteringcandles.Asmallfireflickeredin
anenormousfireplace,castingdancingshadowsamongtherafters.Alongtable
stretchedthelengthofthefloor,polishedbylongyearsofuse,flankedbyrickety
chairs.Itcouldeasilyhaveaccommodatedeightybuttherewereonlyfivethere,
crowdedupatoneend,huddledinaroundthefireplace.Theylookedoverasthe
tapsofGlokta’scaneechoedthroughthehall,pausingintheirmealsandpeering
over with great interest. The man at the head of the table got to his feet and
hurriedover,holdingthehemofhislongblackgownupwithonehand.
“Avisitor,”wheezedtheporter,wavinghiscandleinGlokta’sdirection.
“Ah,fromtheArchLector!IamSilber,theUniversityAdministrator!”And
heshookGlokta’shand.Hiscompanionshadmeanwhilelurchedandtotteredto
theirfeetasthoughtheguestofhonourhadjustarrived.
“InquisitorGlokta.”Hestaredroundattheeageroldmen.Agooddealmore
deference than I was expecting, I must say. But then, the Arch Lectors name
opensallkindsofdoors.
“Glokta, Glokta,” mumbled one of the old men, “seems that I remember a
Gloktafromsomewhere.”
“You remember everything from somewhere, but you never remember
where,”quippedtheadministrator,tohalf-heartedlaughter.“Pleaseletmemake
theintroductions.”
He went round the four black-gowned scientists, one by one. “Saurizin, our
AdeptusChemical.”Abeefy,unkemptoldfellowwithburnsandstainsdownthe
frontofhisrobeandmorethanonebitoffoodinhisbeard.“Denka,theAdeptus
Metallic.” The youngest of the four by a considerable margin, though by no
meansayoungman,hadanarroganttwisttohismouth.“Chayle,ourAdeptus
Mechanical.” Glokta had never seen a man with so big a head but so small a
face. His ears, in particular, were immense, and sprouting grey hairs. “And
Kandelau, the Adeptus Physical.” A scrawny old bird with a long neck and
spectacles perched on his curving beak of a nose. “Please join us, Inquisitor,”
and the administrator indicated an empty chair, wedged in between two of the
Adepti.
“A glass of wine then?” wheedled Chayle, a prim smile on his tiny mouth,
alreadyleaningforwardwithadecanterandsloshingsomeintoaglass.
“Verywell.”
“We were just discussing the relative merits of our various fields of study,”
murmuredKandelau,peeringatGloktathroughhisflashingspectacles.
“Asalways,”lamentedtheAdministrator.
“The human body is, of course, the only area worthy of true scrutiny,”
continued the Adeptus Physical. “One must appreciate the mysteries within,
before turning one’s attention to the world without. We all have a body,
Inquisitor.Meansofhealingit,andofharmingit,areofparamountinteresttous
all.Itisthehumanbodythatismyareaofexpertise.”
“Bodies! Bodies!” whined Chayle, pursing his little lips and pushing food
aroundhisplate.“Wearetryingtoeat!”
“Quiteso!YouareunsettlingtheInquisitorwithyourghoulishbabble!”
“Oh, I am not easily unsettled.” Glokta leered across the table, giving the
AdeptusMetallicagoodviewofhismissingteeth.“MyworkfortheInquisition
demandsamorethanpassingknowledgeofanatomy.”
Therewasanuncomfortablesilence,thenSaurizintookholdofthemeatplate
and offered it out. Glokta looked at the red slices, glistening on the plate. He
lickedathisemptygums.“Thankyou,no.”
“Is it true?” asked the Adeptus Chemical, peering over the meat, voice
hushed.“Willtherebemorefunds?NowthatthisbusinesswiththeMercersis
settled,thatis?”
Gloktafrowned.Everyonewasstaringathim,waitingforhisreply.Oneofthe
oldAdeptihadhisforkfrozenhalfwaytohismouth.Sothat’sit.Money.Butwhy
wouldtheybeexpectingmoneyfromtheArchLector?Theheavymeatplatewas
beginning to wobble. Well… if it gets them listening. “Money might be made
available,depending,ofcourse,onresults.”
Ahushedmurmurcreptaroundthetable.TheAdeptusChemicalcarefullyset
down the plate with a trembling hand. “I have been having a great deal of
successwithacidsrecently.
“Hah!” mocked the Adeptus Metallic. “Results, the Inquisitor asked for,
results!Mynewalloyswillbestrongerthansteelwhentheyareperfected!”
“Alwaysthealloys!”sighedChayle,turninghistinyeyestowardstheceiling.
“Nooneappreciatestheimportanceofsoundmechanicalthinking!”
TheotherthreeAdeptiroundedfiercelyonhim,buttheAdministratorjumped
in first. “Gentlemen, please! The Inquisitor is not interested in our little
differences! Everyone will have time to discuss their latest work and show its
merits. This is not a competition, is it Inquisitor?” Every eye turned toward
Glokta.Helookedslowlyroundatthoseold,expectantfaces,andsaidnothing.
“Ihavedevelopedamachinefor—”
“Myacids—”
“Myalloys—”
“Themysteriesofthehumanbody—”
Gloktacutthemoff.“Actually,itisintheareaof…Isupposeyouwouldcall
themexplosivesubstances,thatIamcurrentlytakingaparticularinterest—”
TheAdeptusChemicaljumpedfromhisseat.“Thatwouldbemyprovince!”
hecried,staringintriumphathiscolleagues.“Ihavesamples!Ihaveexamples!
Pleasefollowme,Inquisitor!”Andhetossedhiscutleryontohisplateandsetoff
towardsoneofthedoors.
Saurizin’slaboratorywaspreciselyasonewouldhaveexpected,almostdown
tothelastdetail.Alongroomwithabarrel-vaultedceiling,blackenedinplaces
with circles and streaks of soot. Shelves covered most of the wall-space,
brimming with a confusion of boxes, jars, bottles, each filled with its own
powders, fluids, rods of strange metal. There was no apparent order to the
positionsof the various containers,andmost had nolabels.Organisationdoes
notappeartobeapriority.
Thebenchesinthemiddleoftheroomwereevenmoreconfused,coveredin
toweringconstructionsofglassandoldbrowncopper:tubes,flasksanddishes,
lamps—onewithanakedflameburning.Allgavetheappearanceofbeingready
atanymomenttocollapse,dousinganyoneunfortunateenoughtostandnearby
withlethal,boilingpoisons.
The Adeptus Chemical rummaged in amongst this mess like a mole in its
warren.“Nowthen,”hemumbledtohimself,pullingathisdirtybeardwithone
hand,“blastingpowdersaresomewherehere…”
Glokta limped into the room after him, glancing suspiciously around at the
mess of tubing that covered every surface. He wrinkled his nose. There was a
revolting,acridsmelltotheplace.
“Here it is!” crowed the Adeptus, brandishing a dusty jar half-full of black
granules. He cleared a space on one of the benches, shoving the clinking and
clanking glass and metal out of the way with a sweep of his meaty forearm.
“Thisstuffisterriblyrare,youknow,Inquisitor,terriblyrare!”Hepulledoutthe
stopper and tipped a line of black powder onto the wooden bench. “Few men
havebeenfortunateenoughtoseethisstuff in action! Very few! And you are
abouttobecomeoneofthem!”
Gloktatookacautiousstepback,thesizeoftheraggedholeinthewallofthe
TowerofChainsstillfreshinhismind.“Wearesafe,Ihope,atthisdistance?”
“Absolutely,” murmured Saurizin, gingerly holding a burning taper out at
arm’s length and touching it to one end of the line of powder. “There is no
dangerwhatso—”
Therewasasharppopandashowerofwhitesparks.TheAdeptusChemical
leapedback,nearlyblunderingintoGloktaanddroppinghislightedtaperonthe
floor.Therewasanotherpop,louder,moresparks.Afoul-smellingsmokebegan
tofillthelaboratory.Therewasabrightflashandaloudbang,aweakfizzling,
andthatwasall.
Saurizin flapped the long sleeve of his gown in front of his face, trying to
clear the thick smoke that had now thrown the whole chamber into gloom.
“Impressive,eh,Inquisitor?”heasked,beforedissolvingintoafitofcoughing.
Not really. Glokta ground the still-flaming taper out under his boot and
steppedthroughthemurktowardsthebench.Hebrushedasideaquantityofgrey
ashwiththesideofhishand.Therewasalong,blackburnonthesurfaceofthe
wood, but nothing more. The foul-smelling fumes were indeed the most
impressive effect, already clawing at the back of Glokta’s throat. “It certainly
producesagreatdealofsmoke,”hecroaked.
“Itdoes,”coughedtheAdeptusproudly,“andreekstohighheaven.”
Gloktastaredatthatblackenedsmearonthebench.“Ifonehadalargeenough
quantityofthispowder,coulditbeusedto,say,knockaholethroughawall?”
“Possibly… if one could accumulate a large enough quantity, who knows
whatcouldbedone?AsfarasIknownoonehasevertried.”
“Awall,say,fourfeetthick?”
TheAdeptusfrowned.“Perhaps,butyou’dneedbarrelsofthestuff!Barrels!
Thereisn’tthatmuchinthewholeUnion,andthecost,evenifitcouldbefound,
would be colossal! Please understand, Inquisitor, that the components must be
importedfromthedistantsouthofKanta,andareraritieseventhere.Iwouldbe
happy to look into the possibility, of course, but I would need considerable
funding—”
“Thankyouagainforyourtime.”Gloktaturnedandbegantolimpthroughthe
thinningsmoketowardsthedoor.
“I have made some significant progress with acids recently!” cried the
Adeptus, voice cracking. “You really should see those as well!” He took a
shudderingbreath.“TelltheArchLector…significantprogress!”Hedissolved
intoanotherfitofcoughing,andGloktashutthedoortightlybehindhim.
A waste of my time. Our Bayaz could not have smuggled barrels of powder
into that room. Even then, how much smoke, how great a smell would it have
made?Awasteofmytime.
Silberwaslurkinginthehallwayoutside.“Isthereanythingelsethatwecan
showyou,Inquisitor?”
Glokta paused for a moment. “Does anyone here know anything about
magic?”
TheAdministratorsjawmusclesclenched.“Ajokeofcourse.Perhaps—”
“Magic,Isaid.“
Silber narrowed his eyes. “You must understand that we are a scientific
institution.Thepracticeofmagic,socalled,wouldbemost…inappropriate.”
Glokta frowned at the man. I’m not asking you to get your wand out, fool.
“Fromahistoricalstandpoint,”hesnapped,“theMagi,andsoon.Bayaz!”
“Ah, from a historical standpoint, I see.” Silbers taut face relaxed slightly.
“Ourlibrarycontainsawiderangeofancienttexts,someofthemdatingbackto
theperiodwhenmagicwasconsidered…lessremarkable.”
“Whocanassistme?”
TheAdministratorraisedhisbrows.“IamafraidthattheAdeptusHistorical
is,ah,somethingofarelic.”
“Ineedtospeakwithhim,notfencewithhim.”
“Ofcourse,Inquisitor,thisway.”
Glokta grabbed the handle of an ancient-looking door, studded with black
rivets,begantoturnit.HefeltSilberseizehisarm.
“No!”hesnapped,guidingGloktaawaydownacorridorbeside.“Thestacks
aredownhere.”
TheAdeptusHistoricalseemedindeedtobeapartofancienthistoryhimself.
His face was a mask of lined and sagging half-transparent skin. Sparse hairs,
snowywhite,stuckunkemptfromhishead.Therewereonlyaquarterasmany
as there should have been, but each was four times longer than you would
expect,hencehiseyebrowswerethin,yetsproutedouttoimpressivelengthin
all directions, like the whiskers of a cat. His mouth hung slack, weak, and
toothless, hands were withered gloves, several sizes too big. Only his eyes
showed any trace of life, peering up at Glokta and the administrator as they
approached.
“Visitors,isit?”croakedtheoldman,apparentlytalkingtoalargeblackcrow
perchedonhisdesk.
“This is Inquisitor Glokta!” bellowed the Administrator, leaning down
towardstheoldman’sear.
“Glokta?”
“FromtheArchLector!”
“Isit?”TheAdeptusHistoricalsquintedupwithhisancienteyes.
“He’ssomewhatdeaf,”Silbermurmured,“butnooneknowsthesebookslike
hedoes.”Hethoughtaboutitforamoment,peeringroundattheendlessstacks,
disappearingintothegloom.“Nooneelseknowsthesebooksatall.”
“Thankyou,”saidGlokta.TheAdministratornoddedandstrodeofftowards
thestairs.Gloktatookasteptowardstheoldmanandthecrowleapedfromthe
table and scrambled into the air, shedding feathers, flapping madly around the
ceiling.Gloktahobbledpainfullyback.I was sure the damn thing was stuffed.
Hewatcheditsuspiciouslyuntilitclatteredtoahaltontopofoneoftheshelves
andperchedtheremotionless,staringathimwithitsbeadyyelloweyes.
Gloktapulledoutachairanddroppedintoit.“IneedtoknowaboutBayaz.”
“Bayaz,”mutteredtheancientAdeptus.“Thefirstletterinthealphabetofthe
oldtongue,ofcourse.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.”
“Theworld’sbrimming fullofwhat you don’tknow,young man.” Thebird
gave a sudden harsh caw, horribly loud in the dusty silence of the stacks.
“Brimmingfull.”
“Then let’s begin my education. It’s the man Bayaz, I need to know about.
TheFirstoftheMagi.”
“Bayaz. The name great Juvens gave to his first apprentice. One letter, one
name.Firstapprentice,firstletterofthealphabet,youunderstand?”
“I’mjustaboutkeepingup.Didhereallyexist?”
TheancientAdeptusscowled.“Unquestionably.Didyounothaveatutorasa
youngman?”
“Idid,unfortunately.”
“Didhenotteachyouhistory?”
“Hetried,butmymindwasonfencingandgirls.”
“Ah.Ilostinterestinsuchthingsalongtimeago.”
“SodidI.LetusreturntoBayaz.”
Theold man sighed.“Longago, beforetherewas a Union,Midderlandwas
madeofmanypettykingdoms,oftenatwarwithoneanother,risingandfalling
withthepassingyears.OneofthesewasruledbyamancalledHarod,laterto
becomeHarodtheGreat.You’veheardofhim,Iassume?”
“Ofcourse.”
“BayazcametoHarod’sthroneroom,andpromisedtomakehimKingofall
Midderlandifhedidashewastold.Harod,beingyoungandheadstrong,didnot
believehim,butBayazbrokethelongtablewithhisArt.”
“Magic,eh?”
“Sothestorygoes.Harodwasimpressed—”
“Understandable.”
“—andheagreedtoaccepttheadviceoftheMagus—”
“Whichwas?”
“Tomakehiscapitalhere,inAdua.Tomakepeacewithcertainneighbours,
war with others, and when and how to do it.” The old man squinted across at
Glokta.“AreyoutellingthisstoryoramI?”
“Youare.”Andyou’retakingyourtimeaboutit.
“Bayazwasgoodashisword.IntimeMidderlandwasunified,Harodbecame
itsfirstHighKing,theUnionwasborn.”
“Thenwhat?”
“Bayaz served as Harod’s chief counsellor. Our laws and statutes, the very
structureofourgovernment,allaresaidtobehisinventions,littlechangedsince
thoseancientdays.HeestablishedtheCouncils,ClosedandOpen,heformedthe
Inquisition.OnHarod’sdeathhelefttheUnion,promisingonedaytoreturn.”
“Isee.Howmuchofthisistrue,doyouthink?”
“Hard to say. Magus? Wizard? Magician?” The old man looked at the
flickeringcandleflame.“Toasavage,thatcandlemightbemagic.It’safineline
indeed,betweenmagicandtrickery,eh?ButthisBayazwasacunningmindin
hisday,that’safact.”
Thisisalluseless.“Whataboutbefore?”
“Beforewhat?”
“BeforetheUnion.BeforeHarod.”
Theoldmanshrugged.“Record-keepingwashardlyapriorityduringthedark
ages. The whole world was in chaos after the war between Juvens and his
brotherKanedias—”
“Kanedias?TheMasterMaker?”
“Aye.”
Kanedias. He stares down from the walls of my little room in the cellars
beneath Severard’s charming town house. Juvens dead, his eleven apprentices,
theMagi,marchingtoavengehim.Iknowthistale.
“Kanedias,”murmuredGlokta,theimageofthatdarkfigurewiththeflames
behindclearinhismind.“TheMasterMaker.Washereal?”
“Hard to say. He’s in the ground between myth and history, I suppose.
Probably there’s some grain of truth in it. Someone must have built that big
bloodytower,eh?”
“Tower?”
“TheHouseoftheMaker!”Theoldmangesturedattheroomaroundthem.
“Andtheysayhebuiltallthisaswell.”
“What,thislibrary?”
The old man laughed. “The whole Agriont, or at least the rock on which it
stands. The University too. He built it, appointed the first Adepti to help him
withhisworks,whatevertheywere,tolookintothenatureofthings.Wehere
aretheMakersdisciples,yes,thoughIdoubttheyknowitupstairs.Heisgone
buttheworkcontinues,eh?”
“Afterafashion.Wheredidhego?”
“Hah.Dead.YourfriendBayazkilledhim.”
Gloktaraisedaneyebrow.“Didhereally?”
“Sothestorygoes.HaveyounotreadTheFalloftheMasterMaker?”
“Thatrubbish?Ithoughtitwasallinvention.”
“Soitis.Sensationalclaptrap,butbasedonwritingsfromthetime.”
“Writings?Suchthingssurvive?”
Theoldmannarrowedhiseyes.“Some.”
“Some?Youhavethemhere?”
“Oneinparticular.”
Gloktafixedtheoldmanwithhiseye.“Bringittome.”
The ancient paper crackled as the Adeptus Historical carefully unrolled the
scrollandspreaditoutonthetable.Theparchmentwasyellowandcrumpled,
edges rough with age, scrawled with a dense script: strange characters, utterly
unintelligibletoGlokta’seye.
“Whatisitwrittenin?”
“The old tongue. Few can read this now.” The old man pointed to the first
line.“AnaccountofthefallofKanedias,thissays,thethirdofthree.”
“Thirdofthree?”
“Ofthreescrolls,Ipresume.”
“Wherearetheothertwo?”
“Lost.”
“Huh.” Glokta peered into the endless darkness of the stacks. It’s a wonder
anythingcanbefounddownhere.“Whatdoesthisonesay?”
The ancient librarian peered down at the strange writing, poorly illuminated
by the single flickering candle, his trembling forefinger tracing across the
parchment,hislipsmovingsilently.“Greatwastheirfury.”
“What?”
“That’showitbegins.Greatwastheirfury.”Hebeganslowlytoread.“The
Magi pursued Kanedias, driving his faithful before them. They broke his
fortress,layingruintohisbuildingsandkillinghisservants.TheMakerhimself,
sorewoundedinthe battlewithhisbrotherJuvens,took refugein hisHouse.”
Theoldman unrolled a littlemore.“Twelve days and twelvenights,theMagi
threwtheirwrathagainstthegates,butcouldnotmarkthem.ThenBayazfound
awayinside…”TheAdeptusswepthishandovertheparchmentinfrustration.
Damp, or something, had blurred the characters in the next section. “I can’t
makethisout…somethingabouttheMakersdaughter?”
“Yousure?”
“No!”snappedtheoldman.“There’sawholesectionmissing!”
“Ignoreitthen!What’sthenextthingyoucanbesureof?”
“Well,let’ssee…Bayazfollowedhimtotheroof,andcasthimdown.”The
oldmannoisilyclearedhisthroat.“TheMakerfellburning,andbrokeuponthe
bridgebelow.TheMagisearchedhighandlowfortheSeed,butcouldnotfind
it.”
“Seed?”askedGlokta,baffled.
“That’sallthat’swritten.”
“Whatthehelldoesitmean?”
Theoldmansaggedbackinhischair,evidentlyenjoyingthisrareopportunity
toholdforthonhisareaofexpertise.“Theendoftheageofmyth,thebeginning
oftheageofreason.Bayaz,theMagi,theyrepresentorder.TheMakerisagod-
like figure: superstition, ignorance, I don’t know. There must be some truth to
him. After all, someone built that big bloody tower,” and he wheezed with
breathylaughter.
GloktacouldnotbebotheredtopointoutthattheAdeptushadmadethevery
samejokeafewminutesbefore.Anditwasn’tfunnythen.Repetition—thecurse
oftheold.“WhataboutthisSeed?”
“Magic,secrets,power?It’sallametaphor.”
I will not impress the Arch Lector with metaphors. Especially bad ones.“Is
therenomore?”
“Itgoesonabit,let’ssee.”Helookedbackatthesymbols.“Hebrokeonthe
bridge,theysearchedfortheSeed…”
“Yes,yes.”
“Patience,Inquisitor.”Hiswitheredfingertracedacrossthecharacters.“They
sealed up the House of the Maker. They buried the fallen, Kanedias and his
daughter among them. That’s all.” He peered at the page, his finger hovering
overthelastfewletters.“AndBayaztookthekey.That’sall.”
Glokta’seyebrowswentup.“What?Whatwasthatlastbit?”
“Theysealedthegates,theyburiedthefallen,andBayaztookthekey.”
“Thekey?ThekeytotheHouseoftheMaker?”
TheAdeptusHistoricalsquintedbackatthepage.“That’swhatitsays.”
Thereisnokey.Thattowerhasstoodsealedforcenturies,everyoneknowsit.
Ourimpostorwillhavenokey,that’ssure.Slowly,Gloktabegantosmile.Itis
thin, it is very thin, but with the right setting, the right emphasis, it might be
enough.TheArchLectorwillbepleased.
“I’llbetakingthis.”Gloktapulledtheancientscrolloverandstartedtorollit
up.
“What?” The eyes of the Adeptus were wide with horror. “You can’t!” He
staggeredupfromhischair,evenmorepainfullythanGloktamighthavedone.
Hiscrowscrambledupwithhim,flappingaroundneartheceilingandcroaking
inafury,but Gloktaignored themboth. “You can’ttake it!It’sirreplaceable,”
wheezedtheoldman,makingahopelessgrabforthescroll.
Gloktaspreadhisarmsoutwide.“Stopme!Whydon’tyou?I’dliketoseeit!
Canyouimagine?Wetwocripples,flounderingaroundinthestackswithabird
loosing its droppings on us, tugging this old piece of paper to and fro?” He
giggledtohimself.“Thatwouldn’tbeverydignified,wouldit?”
The Adeptus Historical, exhausted by his pitiful efforts, crumpled back into
hischair,breathinghard.“Noonecaresaboutthepastanymore,”hewhispered.
“Theydon’tseethatyoucan’thaveafuturewithoutapast.”
How very deep. Glokta slipped the rolled-up parchment into his coat and
turnedtoleave.
“Who’sgoingtolookafterthepast,whenI’mgone?”
“Whocares?”askedGloktaashestalkedtowardsthesteps,“aslongasitisn’t
me.”
TheRemarkableTalentsofBrotherLongfoot
The cheering had woken Logen every morning for a week. It started early,
rippinghimfromhissleep,loudasabattlecloseathand.He’dthoughtitwasa
battlewhenhefirstheardit,butnowheknewitwasjusttheirdamnstupidsport.
Closing the window brought some relief from the noise, but the heat soon
becameunbearable.Itwassleepalittle,orsleepnotatall.Soheleftthewindow
open.
Logenrubbedhiseyes,cursing,andhauledhimselffromhisbed.Anotherhot,
tediousdayintheCityofWhiteTowers.Ontheroad,inthewild,he’dbealert
assoonashiseyesopened,butherethingsweredifferent.Theboredomandthe
heatweremakinghimslowandlazy.Hestumbledacrossthethresholdintothe
livingroom,yawningwideandrubbingathisjawwithonehand.Hestopped.
There was someone in there, a stranger. Standing at the window, bathed in
sunlight with his hands clasped behind him. A small, slight man, with hair
shavedclosetohisknobblyskullandstrange,travel-wornclothes—faded,baggy
clothwrappedroundandroundhisbody.
BeforeLogenhadachancetospeak,themanturnedandsprangnimblyover
tohim.“Andyouare?”hedemanded.Hissmilingfacewasdeeplytannedand
weather-beaten,likethecreasedleatheronafavouritepairofboots.Itmadeit
impossibletoguesshisage.Hecouldhavebeenanywherefromtwenty-fiveto
fifty.
“Ninefingers,”mutteredLogen,takingacautiousstepbacktowardsthewall.
“Ninefingers,yes.”ThelittlemanpressedforwardsandseizedLogen’shand
inbothofhis,grippingittightly.“Itisanhonourandprivilegemostprofound,”
hesaid,closinghiseyesandbowinghishead,“tomakeyouracquaintance!”
“You’veheardofme?”
“Alas, no, but all God’s creatures are worthy of the deepest respect.” He
bowedhisheadagain.“IamBrotherLongfoot,atravelleroftheillustriousorder
ofNavigators.Therearefewlandsbeneaththesunuponwhichmyfeethavenot
trodden.” He pointed down towards his well-worn boots then spread his arms
wide.“FromthemountainsofThondtothedesertsofShamir,fromtheplainsof
theOld Empire to thesilverwaters of theThousandIsles, all theworldis my
home!Truly!”
Hespokethenortherntonguewell,betterthanLogenhimselfperhaps.“And
theNorthtoo?”
“Onebriefvisit,inmyyouth.Ifoundtheclimatesomewhatharsh.”
“Youspeakthelanguagewellenough.”
“TherearefewtonguesthatI,BrotherLongfoot,cannotspeak.Aneffortless
skillwith languagesisbut one amongmymany remarkabletalents.”The man
beamed.“Godhastrulyblessedme,”headded.
Logen wondered if this might be some elaborate joke. “What brings you
here?”
“Ihavebeensentfor!”Hisdarkeyessparkled.
“Sentfor?”
“IndeedIhave!ByBayaz,theFirstoftheMagi!Ihavebeensentfor,andI
havecome!Thatismyway!Amostgenerouscontributiontothecoffersofthe
orderhasbeenmadeinreturnformyremarkabletalents,butIwouldhavecome
withoutit.Indeed.Withoutit!”
“Really?”
“Indeed!”Thesmallmansteppedawayandstartedtostridearoundtheroom
ataterrificpace,rubbinghishandstogether.“Thechallengeofthisassignment
spokeasmuchtotheprideoftheorder,astoitswell-documentedgreed!Andit
was I! I who was selected, from all the Navigators within the Circle of the
World,forthistask!I,BrotherLongfoot!I,andnoother!Whoinmyposition,of
myreputation,couldresistsuchachallenge?”
HestoppedbeforeLogenandlookedupathimexpectantly,asifwaitingfor
ananswertohisquestion.“Er—”
“NotI!”shoutedLongfoot,settingoffonanothercircuitoftheroom.“Idid
notresistit!WhywouldI?Thatwouldnotbemyway!Tojourneytothevery
edgeoftheWorld? What a tale that will make! What aninspirationtoothers!
Whatan—”
“TheedgeoftheWorld?”askedLogensuspiciously.
“Iknow!”Thestrangemanclappedhimonthearm.“Weareequallyexcited!”
“ThismustbeourNavigator.”Bayazemergedfromhisroom.
“Iamindeed.BrotherLongfoot,atyourservice.Andyouare,Ipresume,none
otherthanmyillustriousemployer,Bayaz,theFirstoftheMagi.”
“Iamhe.”
“It is an honour and a privilege most profound!” cried Longfoot, springing
forwardandseizingtheMagusbythehand,“tomakeyouracquaintance!”
“Likewise.Itrustyourjourneywasapleasantone.”
“Journeysarealwayspleasanttome!Always!Itisthetimebetweenthemthat
Ifindtrying.Indeeditis!”BayazfrownedoveratLogenbuthecouldonlyshrug
hisshoulders.“MayIaskhowlongitwillbeuntilwebeginourjourney?Iam
mostkeentoembark!”
“Soon,Ihope,thelastmemberofourexpeditionwillarrive.Wewillneedto
charteraship.”
“Ofcourse!Itshallbemyparticularpleasureto doso! Whatshall Itell the
captainofourcourse?”
“WestacrosstheCircleSea,toStariksa,thenontoCalcisintheOldEmpire.”
Thelittlemansmiledandbowedlow.“Youapprove?”
“Ido,butshipsrarelypasstoCalcisnow.TheOldEmpire’sendlesswarshave
madethewatersdangerousthereabouts.Piracy,alas,isrife.Itmaybedifficultto
findacaptainwilling.”
“Thisshouldhelp.”Bayaztossedhisever-bulgingpurseontothetable.
“Itshouldindeed.”
“Makesuretheshipisfast.OncewearereadyIdonotwishtowasteaday.”
“Onthatyoumaydepend,”saidtheNavigator,scoopinguptheheavybagof
coins.“Tosailinslowvesselsisnotmyway!No!Iwillfindforyouthefastest
shipinallAdua!Yes!SheshallflylikethebreathofGod!Sheshallskipover
thewaveslike—”
“Merelyfastwilldo.”
Thelittlemaninclinedhishead.“Thetimeofdeparture?”
“Withinthemonth.”BayazlookedatLogen.“Whydon’tyougowithhim?”
“Uh?”
“Yes!” shouted the Navigator, “we will go together!” He grabbed Logen by
theelbowandbegantopullhimtowardsthedoor.
“Iwillexpectsomechange,BrotherLongfoot!”calledBayaz,frombehind.
TheNavigatorturnedinthedoorway.“Therewillbechange,onthatyoumay
depend.Aneyeforvalue,aflairforbarter,adauntlesspurposeinnegotiation!
Thesearebutthree,”andhesmiledbroadly,“ofmyremarkabletalents!”
“It is a fabulous place, this Adua. Truly. Few cities are its equal. Shaffa,
perhaps,islarger,butsoverydusty.NonecoulddenythatWestportandDagoska
have their sights. Some think of Ospria, on its mountain slopes, as the most
beautifulcityoftheworld,butBrotherLongfoot’sheart,itmustbesaid,belongs
to great Talins. Have you been there, Master Ninefingers, have you seen that
noblesettlement?”
“Er…” Logen was busy trying to keep up with the little man, dodging
betweentheendlessflowofpeople.
Longfoot stopped so suddenly that Logen almost piled into him. The
Navigatorturned,hishandsraised,afarawaylookinhiseye.“Talinsatsunset,
seenfromtheocean!Ihavewitnessedmanyremarkablethings,believeme,butI
declare that to be the most beautiful sight in all the world. The way the sun
gleamsonthemyriadcanals,ontheglintingdomesoftheGrandDuke’scitadel,
onthegracefulpalacesofthemerchantprinces!Wherenowdoestheshiningsea
end, and the shining city begin? Ah! Talins!” He turned and charged off once
moreandLogenhurriedafterhim.
“ButthisAduaisafineplace,certainly,andgrowingeveryyear.Thingshave
changedagreatdealheresincemylastvisit,indeedtheyhave.Oncetherewere
onlynoblemenandcommoners.Thenoblemenownedthelandsotheyhadthe
moneyandthereforethepower.Ha.Simple,yousee?”
“Well—” Logen was having trouble seeing much further than Longfoot’s
back.
“Butnowtheyhavetrade,andsomuchofit.Merchants,andbankers,andso
forth.Everywhere.Armiesofthem.Nowcommonerscanberich,yousee?And
a rich commoner has power. Is he a commoner now, or a nobleman? Or is he
somethingelse?Ha.Verycomplicatedallofasudden,no?”
“Er—”
“So much wealth. So much money. But so much poverty too, eh? So many
beggars,somanypoor.Hardlyhealthy,sorichandsopoor,soclosetogether,but
it’safineplacestill,andalwaysgrowing.”
“Ifindittoocrowded,”mumbledLogenasashoulderbargedpasthim,“and
toohot.”
“Bah!Crowded?Doyoucallthiscrowded?Youshouldseethegreattemple
in Shaffa at morning prayer! Or the grand square before the Emperors palace
when new slaves are up for auction! And hot? Do you call this hot? In Ul-
Saffayn,inthefarsouthofGurkhul,itgets so hot during the summer months
thatyoucancookaneggonyourdoorstep.Truly!Thisway.”Heduckedthrough
thepassingcrowdstowardsanarrowsidestreet.“Thiswayisthequickest!”
Logencaughthimbythearm.“Downthere?”Hepeeredintothegloom.“You
sure?”
“Canyoudoubtit?”demandedLongfoot,suddenlyhorrified.“Canitbethat
youcoulddoubtit?Amongallmyremarkabletalents,itismyskillatnavigation
thatisparamount!Itisforthattalent,aboveall,thattheFirstoftheMagihas
made so generous a contribution to the coffers of the order! Could it be that
you… but wait.” He held up his hand and began to smile again, then tapped
Logenonthechestwithhisforefinger.YoudonotknowBrotherLongfoot.Not
yet.Youarewatchfulandcautious,Iseeit,finequalitiesintheirplace.Icannot
expectyoutohavemyunshakeablefaithinmyabilities.No!Thatwouldnotbe
fair.Unfairnessisnotanadmirablequality.No!Unfairnessisnotmyway.”
“Imeant—”
“Ishallconvinceyou!”shoutedLongfoot.“IndeedIshall!Youwillcometo
trustmywordbeforeyourown!Yes!Thiswayisthequickest!”Andhestrode
offdown the dingyalleywaywith remarkable speed,Logenstruggling tokeep
upthoughhislegswereagoodhalf-footlonger.
“Ah,thebackstreets!”calledtheNavigatoroverhisshoulderastheypassed
down dark and grimy lanes, the buildings crowding in ever closer. “The back
streets, eh?” The alleys grew narrower, darker, and dirtier still. The little man
turned to the left and the right, never pausing for an instant to consider his
course. “Do you smell that? Do you smell that, Master Ninefingers? It smells
like…” he rubbed his thumbs and fingertips together as he strode along,
searchingforthewords“…mystery!Adventure!”
ItsmelledlikeshittoLogen.Amanlayonhisfaceinthegutter,deaddrunk
perhaps,ormaybesimplydead.Othermenpassedby,limpingandhaggard,or
standinginthreateninggroupsindoorways,handingroundbottles.Therewere
womenheretoo.
“FourmarksandI’llgiveyouablessing, Northman!”oneofthem calledto
Logenastheypassed.“Ablessingyouwon’tsoonforget!Three,then!”
“Whores,”whispered Longfoot,shaking hishead, “andcheaponestoo.You
likewomen?”
“Well—”
“YoushouldgotoUl-Nahbmyfriend!Ul-NahbontheshoresoftheSouthern
Sea!Youcouldbuyabed-slavethere.Indeedyoucould!Theycostafortune,but
theytrainthesegirlsforyears!”
“Youcanbuyagirl?”askedLogen,mystified.
“Boystoo,ifyourtastebendsthatway.”
“Eh?”
“Theytrainthemforyears,truly.It’sawholeindustrydownthere.Youwant
skilled?Doyou?Thesegirlshaveskillsyouwouldn’tbelieve!OrvisitSipani!
Thereareplacesinthatcity—phew!Thewomenarebeautiful,beautifulevery
one! Truly! Like princesses! And clean,” he muttered, peering at one of the
scruffywomenbytheroadside.
A bit of dirt didn’t bother Logen any. Skilled and beautiful all sounded too
complicated to him. One girl caught his eye as they passed, leaning against a
door-frame with one arm up. Watching them pass with a half-hearted smile.
Logen found her pretty, in a desperate sort of a way. Prettier than he was
anyway,andithadbeenalongtime.Youhavetoberealisticaboutthesethings.
Logenstoppedinthestreet.“Bayazwantedchange?”hemuttered.
“Hedid.Hewasmostspecificonthesubject.”
“There’smoneytospare,then?”
Longfootraisedoneeyebrow.“Well,perhaps,letmesee…”
Hepulledoutthepursewithaflourishandopenedit,rootingaroundinside.
Therewasaloudjinglingofcoins.
“You think that’s a good idea?” Logen glanced nervously up and down the
street.Severalfaceshadturnedtowardsthem.
“What’sthat?”askedtheNavigator,stillpokingaroundinthepurse.Hepulled
somecoinsout,holdingthemuptothelightandpeeringatthem,thenpressed
themintoLogen’spalm.
“Subtletyisn’toneofyourtalents,isit?”Someoftheshabbymeninthealley
began to move slowly, curiously towards them, two from in front, one from
behind.
“Noindeed!”laughedLongfoot.“Noindeed!Iamastraight-talkingman,that
is my way! Yes indeed! I am a… ah.” He had noticed the shadowy figures
sidlingtowardsthemnow.“Ah.Thisisunfortunate.Ohdear.”
Logenturnedtothegirl.“Doyoumindifwe…”Sheslammedthedoorshut
inhisface.Otherdoorsupanddownthestreetbegantoclose.“Shit.”hesaid.
“Howareyouatfighting?”
“Godhasseenfittoblessmewithmanyremarkabletalents,”murmuredthe
navigator,“butcombatisnotoneofthem.”
Oneofthemenhadanuglysquint.“That’sabigpurseforalittleman,”he
said,ashecameclose.
“Well,er…”murmuredLongfoot,creepingbehindLogen’sshoulder.
“Anawfulbigloadforalittlemantocarry,”saidtheother.
“Whynotletushelpyouwithit?”
Neither one of them had weapons ready, but by the way their hands were
movingLogenknewtheyhadthem.Therewasathirdmanbehindhimtoo,he
couldsensehimmovingforwardsnow.Close.Closerthantheothertwo.Ifhe
could deal with that one first, the one behind, his chances might be good. He
couldn’trisklookinground,thatwouldspoilthesurprise.He’dsimplyhaveto
hopeforthebest.Asalways.
Logengrittedhisteethandflunghiselbowbackwards.Ithitthemanbehind
inthejawwith a heavy crunch, and Logen caught his wrist inhisotherhand,
whichwaslucky,becausehehadaknifeoutandready.Logensmashedhimin
the mouth with his elbow again, tearing the blade from his limp fingers as he
dropped into the street, head smacking against the dirty cobbles. He whipped
round,halfexpectingtogetstabbedintheback,buttheothertwohadn’tmoved
too quick. They had knives of their own out, and one had taken a half-step
towardshim,buthepausedwhenhesawthatLogenhadthebladeup,readyto
fight.
It was a meagre kind of a weapon, six inches of rusty iron without even a
cross-piece,butitwasbetterthannothing.Alotbetter.Logenwaveditaroundin
theairinfrontofhim,justtomakesurethateveryonecouldseeit.Feltgood.
Hisoddsweremuchimproved.
“Rightthen,”saidLogen,“who’snext?”
Theothertwomovedapart,tryingtogettoeithersideofhim,weighingtheir
knivesintheirhands,buttheydidn’tseeminanygreatrushtocomeon.
“Wecantakehim!”whisperedthesquinter,buthisfrienddidn’tlooktoosure.
“Or,youcanhavethis.”Logenopeneduphisclenchedfist,showingthecoins
that Longfoot had given him. “And leave us be. This much I can spare.” He
swishedtheknifearoundabitmore,justtoaddsomeweighttohiswords.“This
iswhatyou’reworthtome—thismuch,nomore.What’sittobe?”
The one with the squint spat on the ground. “We can take him!” he hissed
again.“Yougofirst!”
“Youfuckinggo!”shoutedtheother.
“JusttakewhatI’moffering,”saidLogen,“thenwenoneofushavetogo.”
The one that he’d elbowed groaned and rolled over in the road, and the
reminder of his fate seemed to decide them. “Alright, you fucking northern
bastard,alright,we’lltakeit!”
Logengrinned.Hethoughtaboutthrowingthecoinsattheonewiththesquint
then stabbing him while he was distracted. That’s what he’d have done in his
youth, but he decided against. Why bother? Instead he opened his fingers and
tossedthemoneyintotheroadbehindhim,movingtowardsthenearestwall.He
andthetwothievescircledeachothercautiously,eachsteptakingthemcloserto
the coins and him closer to escape. Soon they’d swapped places, and Logen
backedawaydownthestreet,stillholdingtheknifeinfrontofhim.Whenthey
weretenpacesapartthetwomensquatteddownandbegantopickthescattered
coinsupfromtheground.
“I’mstillalive,”Logenwhisperedtohimselfashequickenedhispace.
Thathadbeenlucky,heknew.It’safoolwhothinksthatanyfightistoosmall
tobethedeathofhim,howevertoughheis.Luckythathecaughttheonebehind
justright.Lucky that theothertwo had been slow. Butthenhe’d always been
lucky with fights. Lucky at getting out of them alive. Not so lucky with the
gettingintothem.Still,hefeltgoodaboutthisday’swork.Gladhehadn’tkilled
anybody.
Logenfeltahandclaphimontheback,andhespanround,knifeattheready.
“Onlyme!”BrotherLongfoothelduphishands.Logenhadnearlyforgotten
the Navigator was there. He must have stayed behind him the whole time,
perfectly silent. “Well handled Master Ninefingers, well handled! Truly! I see
that you are not without some talents of your own! I am looking forward to
travellingwithyou,Iamindeed!Thedocksarethisway!”heshouted,already
movingoff.
Logen took one last look back at the two men, but they were still grubbing
around on the ground, so he threw the knife away and hurried to catch up to
Longfoot.“DoyouNavigatorsneverfight?”
“Some among us do, oh yes, with empty hands and weapons of all kinds.
Mostdeadly,someofthem,butnotI.No.Thatisnotmyway.”
“Never?”
“Never.Myskillslieelsewhere.”
“Iwouldhavethoughtyourtravelswouldbringyouacrossmanydangers.”
“They do,” said Longfoot brightly, “they do indeed. That is when my
remarkabletalentforhidingisatitsmostuseful.”
HerKindFightEverything
Night.Cold.Thesaltwindwaskeenonthehilltop,andFerro’sclotheswere
thin and ragged. She hugged her arms and hunched up her shoulders, staring
sourly down towards the sea. Dagoska was a cloud of pinprick lights in the
distance,huddledaroundthesteeprockbetweenthegreat,curvingbayandthe
glisteningocean.Hereyescouldmakeoutthevague,tinyshapesofwallsand
towers,blackagainstthedarksky,andthethinneckofdryearththatjoinedthe
citytotheland.Anisland,almost.BetweenthemandDagoskatherewerefires.
Campsaroundtheroads.Manycamps.
“Dagoska,”whisperedYulwei,perchedonarockbesideher.“Alittlesplinter
oftheUnion,stuckintoGurkhullikeathorn.AthornintheEmperorspride.”
“Huh,”gruntedFerro,hunchinghershouldersstillfurther.
“Thecityiswatched.Manysoldiers.Morethanever.Itmightbedifficultto
deceivesomany.”
“Perhapsweshouldgoback,”shemutteredhopefully.
Theoldmanignoredher.“Theyarehereaswell.Morethanone.”
“Eaters?”
“Imustgocloser.Findawayin.Waithereforme.”Hepaused,waitingfor
hertoreply.“Youwillwait?”
“Alright!”shehissed,“alright,I’llwait!”
Yulweislippedoffhisrockandawaydowntheslope,paddingacrossthesoft
earth, almost invisible in the inky blackness. When the sound of his jingling
bangles had faded into the night, she turned away from the city, took a deep
breath,andscurrieddowntheslopesouthwards,backintoGurkhul.
NowFerrocouldrun.Fastasthewind,hoursatastretch.She’dspentalotof
timerunning.Whenshemadeittothebaseofthehillsheran,feetflyingacross
theopenground,breathcomingquickandfierce.Sheheardwaterbeyond,slid
down a bank and splashed into the shallows of a slow moving river. She
flounderedon,knee-deepinthecoldwater.
Lettheoldbastardtrackmethroughthis,shethought.
After a while she made a bundle of her weapons and held them above her
headassheswamacross,forcingagainstthecurrentwithonearm.Sheflapped
out on the other side and ran on along the bank, wiping the water from her
drippingface.
Time passed slowly and light began to creep into the sky. Morning was
coming.Theriverbabbledbesideher,hersandalsbeatingoutarapidrhythmin
thestubblygrass.Shelefttheriverbehind,runningonacrosstheflatlandscape,
turningnowfromblacktogrey.Aclumpofscrubbytreesloomedup.
Shecrashedbetweenthetrunksandslithereddownintothebushes,herbreath
rasping.Sheshiveredinthehalf-light,heartpoundinginherchest.Itwassilent
beyond the trees. Good. She reached inside her clothes and pulled out some
breadandastripofmeat,soggyfromtheswimbutstilledible.Shesmiled.She
hadbeenkeepinghalfofeverythingthatYulweigaveherforthelastfewdays.
“Stupid old bastard,” she chuckled to herself between choking mouthfuls,
“thoughthecouldgetthebetterofFerroMaljinn,didhe?”
Damnshewas thirsty. No helpforthatnow, she could findwaterlater. She
was tired though, very tired. Even Ferro got tired. She would rest here for a
moment,justamoment.Getthestrengthbackinthelegs,thenon,onto…she
twitched,annoyed.Shecouldthinkaboutthewherelater.Whereverwasbestfor
vengeance.Yes.
She crawled through the bushes, sat back against one of the trees. Her eyes
closedslowly,bythemselves.Justrestforamomentnow.Vengeancelater.
“Stupidoldbastard,”shemuttered.Herheaddroppedsideways.
“Brother!”
Ferrowokewithastart,headknockingagainstthetree.Itwaslight,toolight.
Another bright, hot day. How long had she been sleeping? “Brother!” A
woman’svoice,notfaroff.“Whereareyou?”
“Over here!” Ferro froze, every muscle tensing. A man’s voice, deep and
strong.Andclose.Sheheardhorse’shooves,movingslowly,severalhorses,and
near.
“Whatareyoudoing,brother?”
“She’s close!” shouted the man again. Ferro’s throat tightened. “I can smell
her!”Ferrofeltinthebushesforherweapons,shovedtheswordandtheknife
throughherbelt,tuckedtheotherknifeupherone,tornsleeve.“Icantasteher,
sister!She’sveryclose!”
“But where?” The woman’s voice drew nearer. “Do you think she can hear
us?”
“Perhapsshecan!”laughedtheman.“Areyouthere,Maljinn?”Shethrewher
quiveroverhershoulderandsnatchedupherbow.“Wearewaiting…”hesang,
gettingcloserstill,justbeyondthetreesnow.“Comeout,Maljinn,comeoutand
greetus…”
She bolted away, crashing through the bushes, sprinting across the open
groundwithdesperatespeed.
“Theresheis!”criedthewomanfrombehind.“Lookathergo!”
“Gether,then!”shoutedtheman.
The scrubby grassland stretched away unbroken before her. Nowhere to run
to.Shespanaroundwithasnarl,nockinganarrowtoherbow.Fourhorsemen
were spurring towards her, Gurkish soldiers, sun glinting on their tall helmets
andthe cruelheadsof their spears.Behind them,furtherback, were twoother
riders: a man and a woman. “Stop! In the name of the Emperor!” one of the
horsemenshouted.
“FuckyourEmperor!”Herarrowcaughtthefirstofthesoldiersthroughhis
neckandhetumbledbackwardsfromthesaddlewithashockedgurgle,hisspear
flyingoutofhishand.
“Goodshot!”criedthewoman.Thesecondridertookanarrowinhischest.
His breastplate slowed it, but it still went deep enough to kill. He screamed,
droppinghisswordinthegrass,clutchingattheshaft,rollinginthesaddle.
Thethirdneverevenmadeasound.Hegotoneinthemouth,atnomorethan
tenstridesaway.Thepointwentrightthroughhisskullandknockedhishelmet
off, but by then the fourth was on her. She threw the bow to the ground and
rolledawayasthesoldierthrustatherwithhisspear,thenshepulledthesword
fromherbelt,spittingonthegrass.
“Alive!”shoutedthewoman,nudgingherhorselazilyforwards.“Weneedher
alive!”
ThesoldierturnedhissnortingmountandurgeditcautiouslytowardsFerro.
He was a big man, with a thick growth of dark stubble on his jaw. “I hope
you’vemadeyourpeacewithGod,girl,”hesaid.
“FuckyourGod!”Shescuttledoutoftheway,dodging,moving,stayingclose
totheground.Thesoldierjabbedatherwithhisspear,keepingheratadistance,
hishorse’shoovespawingattheground,kickingdustinFerro’sface.
“Pokeher!”sheheardthewomanshoutingbehindher.
“Yes,pokeher!”criedherbrotherthroughhisgiggling.“Butnottoohard!We
want her alive!” The soldier snarled as he spurred his horse forward. Ferro
duckedandscrambledinfrontofitskickinglegs.Thespearpointjabbed,cutting
agashinherarm.Sheswungtheswordwithallherstrength.
The curved blade found the gap between the plates of the soldiers armour,
tookhislegoffjustbelowthekneeandopenedahugewoundinthehorse’sside.
Man and beast screamed together, fell together to the ground. Dark blood
bubbledoutacrossthedirt.
“Shegothim!”Thewomansoundedmildlydisappointed.
“Up,man!”laughedherbrother,“upandather!There’sstillachance!”The
soldier thrashed on the ground. Ferro’s sword hacked into his face, putting a
sharp end to his screams. Nearby the second rider was still in his saddle, face
twisted, gasping his last breaths, hand clutched around the bloody shaft of her
arrow.His horseputits headdownand startednibblingatthedry grassbyits
hooves.
“That’sallofthem,”saidthewoman.
“Iknow.”Herbrothersigheddeep.“Mustonedoeverythingoneself?”
Ferro glanced up at them as she pushed the bloody sword back through her
belt. They were sitting carelessly on their horses not far off, the sun bright
behind them, smiles on their cruel, handsome faces. They were dressed like
lords,silkflappingroundtheminthebreeze,heavywithjewellery,butneither
onewasarmed.Ferroscrambledforherbow.
“Becareful,brother,”saidthewoman,examiningherfingernails.“Shefights
well.”
“Like a devil! But she is no match for me, sister, have no fear.” He sprang
downfromhissaddle.“Sothen,Maljinn,shallwe…”
Thearrowstuckhimthroughthechest,deepthrough,withahollowthud.
“…begin?” The shaft quivered, its point glittering behind him, dry and
bloodless.Hebegantowalktowardsher.Hernextarrowcaughthimthroughthe
shoulder,butheonlycameonfaster,breakingintoarun,boundingforwardwith
enormous strides. She dropped the bow, fingers fumbling for the grip of her
sword.Tooslow.Hisoutstretchedarmcaughtheracrossthechestwithterrible
force,slammingherintotheearth.
“Oh,welldone,brother!”Thewomanclappedherhandswithdelight.“Well
done!”
Ferro rolled coughing in the dust. She saw the man watching her as she
struggledtoherfeet,theswordclutchedinbothhands.Sheswungitathim,a
greatoverheadarc.Itbitdeepintotheearth.Somehowhehadalreadydanced
aside.Afootcameoutofnowhereandsankintoherstomach.Shedoubledover,
powerless,theairdrivenfromherbody.Herfingerstwitched,theswordwasleft
stuckintheground,herkneeswobbled.
“And now…” Something crunched into her nose. Her legs buckled and the
ground hit her hard in the back. She rolled groggily to her knees, the world
turningoveraroundher.Therewasbloodonherface.Sheblinkedandshookher
head,tryingtostoptheworldfromspinning.Themanwasmovingtowardsher,
tipping,blurry.He jerkedherarrowout of his chestandtossed it away. There
wasnoblood,justalittledust.Justdust,curlingintheair.
AnEater.Hehadtobe.
Ferrostumbledup,pullingtheknifefromherbelt.Shethrustathim,missed,
thrustagain,missedagain.Herheadwasswimming.Shescreamed,slashingat
himwithallhermight.
Hecaughtherwristinhishand.Theirfaceswerelessthanafootapart.His
skinwasperfect,smooth,likedarkglass.Helookedyoung,almostlikeachild,
buthiseyeswereold.Hardeyes.Hewatchedher—curious,amused,likeaboy
whofoundaninterestingbeetle.“Shedoesn’tgiveup,doesshe,sister?”
“Veryfierce!TheProphetwillbedelightedwithher!”
ThemansniffedatFerroandwrinkledhisnose.“Ugh.She’dbetterbewashed
first.”
She butted him in the face. His head snapped back but he only giggled. He
caughtherroundthethroatwithhisfreehand,shovedherouttoarm’slength.
She clawed at his face but his arm was too long, she couldn’t reach. He was
prising her fingers from the handle of the knife. His grip was iron around her
neck.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Shebaredherteeth,struggling,snarling,thrashing.
Allinvain.
“Alive,brother!Wewantheralive!”
“Alive,”murmuredtheman,“butnotunharmed.”
The woman giggled. Ferro’s feet left the ground, kicking at the air. She felt
one of her fingers snap and the knife dropped to the grass. The hand gripped
tighter round her neck, and she tore at it with broken nails. All in vain. The
brightworldbegantoturndark.
Ferroheardthewomanlaughing,faraway.Afaceswamoutofthedarkness,a
handstrokedFerro’scheek.Thefingersweresoft,warm,gentle.
“Bestill,child,”whisperedthewoman.Hereyesweredarkanddeep.Ferro
couldfeelherbreath,hotandfragrantonherface.“Youarehurt,youmustrest.
Bestillnow…sleep.”Ferro’slegswereheavyaslead.Shekickedweakly,one
lasttime,thenherbodysagged.Herheartbeatslow…
“Restnow.”Ferro’seyelidsbegantodroop,thewoman’sbeautifulfacegrew
blurred.
“Sleep.”Ferrobitdownhardonhertongue,andhermouthturnedsalty.
“Bestill.”Ferrospatbloodinthewoman’sface.
“Gah!”sheshoutedindisgust,wipingbloodfromhereyes.“Shefightsme!”
“Herkindfighteverything,”cametheman’svoice,justbehindFerro’sear.
“Now listen to me, whore!” hissed the woman, clutching Ferro’s jaw with
steelyfingersandyankingherfacethiswayandthat.“Youarecomingwithus!
Withus!Onewayoranother!Youhearme?”
“She goes nowhere.” Another voice, deep and mellow. It seemed familiar.
Ferro blinked, shook her head groggily. The woman had turned, looking at an
oldman,notfaraway.Yulwei.Hisbanglesjingledashepaddedsoftlyacrossthe
grass.“Areyoualive,Ferro?”
“Gugh,”shecroaked.
ThewomansneeredatYulwei.“Whoareyou,oldbastard?”
Yulweisighed.“Iamanoldbastard.”
“Get you gone, dog!” shouted the man. “We come from the Prophet. From
Khalulhimself!”
“Andshecomeswithus!”
Yulweilookedsad.“Icannotchangeyourminds?”
Theylaughedtogether.“Fool!”criedtheman.“Ourmindsneverchange!”He
letgoofoneofFerro’sarms,tookawarystepforwards,draggingherwithhim.
“Ashame,”saidYulwei,shakinghishead.“Iwouldhavehadyoucarrymy
respectstoKhalul.”
“TheProphetdoesnotwalkwiththelikesofyou,beggar!”
“Imightsurpriseyou.Wekneweachotherwell,longago.”
“Iwillgiveourmasteryourrespectsthen,”jeeredthewoman,“withthenews
ofyourrecentdeath!”Ferrotwistedherwrist,felttheknifedropintoherpalm.
“Oh,Khalulwouldenjoythatnews,buthewillnotreceiveityet.Thetwoof
youhavecursedyourselves.YouhavebrokentheSecondLaw.Youhaveeaten
thefleshofmen,andtheremustbeareckoning.”
“Oldfool!”sneeredthewoman.“Yourlawsdonotapplytous!”
Yulweislowlyshookhishead.“ThewordofEuzgovernsall.Therecanbeno
exceptions.Neitherone of you willleavethisplace alive.” The airaroundthe
old man shimmered, twisted, blurred. The woman gave a gurgle and dropped
suddenly to the earth, more than falling—melting, flopping, dark silk flapping
aroundhercollapsingbody.
“Sister!”ThemanletgoofFerro,sprangatYulwei,armsoutstretched.Hegot
no further than a stride. He gave a sudden, shrill scream and dropped to his
knees, clutching at his head. Ferro forced her stumbling feet forward, grabbed
hold of his hair with her broken hand and drove the knife into his neck. Dust
blewoutintothewind.Afountainofdust.Flamesflickeredaroundhismouth,
charringhislipsblack,lickingburninghotatherfingers.Shedroppedontopof
him,bearinghimbackontotheground,choking,snorting.Thebladeopenedup
hisstomach,scraped against his ribs,snappedoff in his chest. Firelickedout.
Fire and dust. She hacked at the body mindlessly with the broken knife, long
afterithadstoppedmoving.
Shefeltahandonhershoulder.“Heisdead,Ferro.Theybotharedead.”She
saw it was true. The man lay on his back, staring up at the sky, face charred
roundhisnoseandmouth,dustblowingfromthegapingwounds.
“Ikilledhim.”Hervoicecrackedandbrokeninherthroat.
“No,Ferro.I didthat.TheywereyoungEaters,weakandfoolish.Still,you
areluckytheywantedonlytocatchyou.”
“Iamlucky,”shemumbled,dribblingbloodyspitontotheEaterscorpse.She
droppedthebrokenknife,crawledawayonallfours.Thebodyofthewomanlay
nexttoher,ifyoucouldcallitthat.Ashapeless,lumpymassofflesh.Shesaw
longhair,andaneye,andlips.
“Whatdidyoudo?”shecroakedthroughherbloodymouth.
“Iturnedherbonestowater.Andburnedhimfromtheinside.Waterforone,
firefortheother.Whateverworks,fortheirkind.”Ferrorolledoveronthegrass,
lookedupatthebrightsky.Sheheldherhandinfrontofherface,shookit.One
ofherfingersfloppedbackandforth.
Yulwei’sfaceappearedabove,staringdownather.“Doesithurt?”
“No,”shewhispered,lettingherarmdropbacktotheearth.“Itneverdoes.”
SheblinkedupatYulwei.“Whydoesitneverhurt?”
Theoldmanfrowned.“Theywillnotstopseekingforyou,Ferro.Doyousee
now,whyyouhavetocomewithme?”
Shenoddedslowly.Theeffortwasimmense.“Isee,”shewhispered.“Isee…”
Theworldgrewdarkagain.
SheLovesMe…Not
“Ah!”criedJezal,asthepointofFilio’ssteeldughardintohisshoulder.He
stumbled back, wincing and cursing, and the Styrian smiled at him and
flourishedhissteels.
“AtouchtoMasterFilio!”bellowedthereferee.“That’stwoeach!”Therewas
somescatteredclappingasFiliostruttedbacktothecontestant’senclosurewith
anirritatingsmileacrosshisface.“Slipperybastard,”Jezalhissedtohimselfas
hefollowed.Heshouldhaveseenthatlungecoming.Hehadbeencareless,and
heknewit.
“Twoapiece?” hissedVaruz,asJezal floppeddownintohis chair,breathing
hard.“Twoapiece?Againstthisnobody?He’snotevenfromtheUnion!”
JezalknewbetterthantopointoutthatWestportwassupposedtobeapartof
theUnionthesedays.HeknewwhatVaruzmeant,andsodideveryoneelsein
thearena.Themanwasanoutsiderasfarastheywereconcerned.Hegrabbed
theclothfromWestsoutstretchedhandsandwipedhissweatyface.Fivetouches
wasalongmatch,butFiliolookedfarfromexhausted.Hewasspringingupand
downonhistoesasJezalglancedacross,noddinghisheadtothenoisyStyrian
advicespillingfromhistrainer.
“You can beat him!” West murmured, as he handed Jezal the water bottle.
“You can beathim,and then it’sthe final.”Thefinal. That meant Gorst.Jezal
wasn’tentirelysurehewantedanyofthat.
ButVaruzwasinnodoubt.“Justdamnwellbeathim!”hissedtheMarshal,as
Jezaltookaswigfromthebottle,swilleditroundinhismouth.“Justbeathim!”
Jezalspathalfoutintothebucketandswallowedtherest.Justbeathim.Easyto
say,buthewasadeviousbastard,thisStyrian.
“Youcandoit!”saidWestagain,rubbingJezal’sshoulder.“You’vecomethis
far!”
“Killhim!Justkillhim!”MarshalVaruzstaredintoJezal’seyes“Areyoua
nobody,CaptainLuthar? DidI waste mytime on you?Orare yousomebody?
Eh?Now’sthetimetodecide!”
“Gentlemen,please!”calledthereferee,“thedecidingtouch!”
Jezalblewouthard,tookhissteelsfromWest,gottohisfeet.Hecouldhear
Filio’s trainer shouting encouragements over the swelling noise of the crowd.
“Justkillhim!”shoutedVaruzonelasttime,thenJezalwasoffonhiswaytothe
circle.
Thedecidingtouch.Thedecider.Insomanyways.WhetherJezalwouldbein
the final or not. Whether he would be somebody or not. He was tired though,
verytired.Hehadbeenfencingsolidlyfornearlyhalfanhour,intheheat,and
thattakesitoutofyou.Hewassweatingagainalready.Hecouldfeelitleaking
outofhisfaceinbigdrops.
He moved towards his mark. A bit of chalk on some dry grass. Filio was
standing there waiting, still smiling, anticipating his triumph. The little shit. If
Gorstcouldclubthoseothersaroundthecircle,thensurelyJezalcouldgrindthis
fool’s faceinthe turf.He squeezed thegrips of hissteels andconcentratedon
that nauseating little smile. He wished for a moment that the steels weren’t
blunted,untilitoccurredtohimthathemightbetheonewhogotstabbed.
“Begin!”
Jezalsortedthroughhiscards,shufflingthemthiswayandthatinhishands,
barelyevenlookingatthesymbolsonthem,barelycaringwhetherhekeptthem
outofsightoftheothers.
“I’llraiseyouten,”saidKaspa,slidingsomecoinsacrossthetablewithalook
that said… oh, something probably, Jezal didn’t care what, he really wasn’t
concentrating.Therewasalengthypause.
“It’syourbet,Jezal,”grumbledJalenhorm.
“Itis?Oh,er…”Hescannedacrossthemeaninglesssymbols,unabletotake
anyofittooseriously.“Erm,oh…I’llfold.”Hetossedthecardsontothetable.
Hewasdowntoday,welldown,forthefirsttimeinhecouldn’trememberhow
long.Everprobably.HewastoobusythinkingaboutArdee:wonderinghowhe
couldbedherwithoutdoingeitheroneofthemlastingharm,mostparticularly
without his being killed by West. He was still no closer to an answer,
unfortunately.
Kaspa swept up the coins, smiling broadly at his most unlikely victory. “So
thatwaswellfoughttoday,Jezal.Acloseone,butyoucamethrough,eh?”
“Uh,”saidJezal.Hetookhispipefromthetable.
“Iswear,Ithoughthehadyouforaminutethere,butthen,”andhesnapped
his fingers under Brint’s nose, “just like that! Knocked him right over. The
crowdlovedit!IlaughedsohardInearlywetmyself,Iswear!”
“DoyoureckonyoucanbeatGorst?”askedJalenhorm.
“Uh.”Jezalshrugged,lightingthepipeandleaningbackinhischair,looking
upatthegreyskyandsuckingonthestem.
“Youseemprettycalmaboutitall,”saidBrint.
“Uh.”
Thethreeofficersglancedat each other, disappointed bythefailureof their
chosentopic.Kaspapickedanother.“HaveyoufellowsseenthePrincessTerez
yet?”
BrintandJalenhormsighedandgasped,thenthethreeofthemprattledtheir
gormlessappreciationofthewoman.“HaveIseenher?HaveIever!”
“TheycallherthejewelofTalins!”
“Therumoursdidn’tliewhereshe’sconcerned!”
“IhearthemarriagetoPrinceLadislaisafixedthing.”
“Theluckybastard!”Andsoon.
Jezalstayedwherehewas,satbackinhischair,blowingsmokeatthesky.He
wasn’tsosureaboutTerez,fromthelittlehe’dseen.Beautifulfromadistance,
nodoubt,butheimaginedthatherfacewouldfeellikeglasstothetouch:cold,
hardandbrittle.NothinglikeArdee’s…
“Still,”Jalenhormwasspouting,“Ihavetosay,Kaspa,myheartstillbelongs
to your cousin Ariss. Give me a Union girl any day over one of these
foreigners.”
“Giveyouhermoney,youmean,”murmuredJezal,headstilltippedback.
“No!” complained the big man. “She’s a perfect lady! Sweet, demure, well-
bred. Ah!” Jezal smiled to himself. If Terez was cold glass, then Ariss was a
deadfish.Kissingherwouldbelikekissinganoldrag,heimagined:limpand
tedious.Shecouldn’tkissthewayArdeedid.Noonecould…
“Well, they’re both of them beauties, no doubt,” Brint was blathering, “fine
womentodreamabout,ifdreamsareallyou’reafter…”Heleanedforwardtoa
conspiratorial distance, smirking shiftily round as though he had something
secret and exciting to say. The other two edged their chairs forward, but Jezal
stayedwherehewas.Hehadnointerestatallinhearingaboutwhateverwhore
thatidiotwasbedding.
“Have you met West’s sister?” murmured Brint. Jezal’s every muscle
stiffened. “She’s not the equal of those two of course, but she’s really quite
prettyinacommonsortofwayand…Ithinkshe’dbewilling.”Brintlickedhis
lips and nudged Jalenhorm in the ribs. The big man grinned guiltily like a
schoolboy at a dirty joke. “Oh yes, she strikes me as the willing type.” Kaspa
giggled. Jezal put his pipe down on the table, noticing that his hand was
tremblingslightly.Theotherwasgrippingthearmofhischairsohardthathis
knuckleswerewhite.
“Idodeclare,”saidBrint,“ifIdidn’tthinktheMajorwouldstickmewithhis
sword, I’d be tempted to stick his sister with mine, eh?” Jalenhorm spluttered
with laughter. Jezal felt one of his eyes twitching as Brint turned his smirk
towardshim.“Well,Jezal,whatdoyouthink?You’vemetherhaven’tyou?”
“WhatdoIthink?”Hisvoiceseemedtocomefromaterriblylongwayaway
ashestaredatthosethreegrinningfaces.“Ithinkyoushouldwatchyourmouth,
yousonofafuckingwhore.”
Hewasonhisfeetnow,teethgrittedsotighttogethertheyfeltliketheymight
crackapart.Thethreesmilesblinkedandfaded.JezalfeltKaspa’shandonhis
arm.“Comeon,heonlymeant—”
Jezal ripped his arm away, seized the edge of the table and flung it over.
Coins, cards, bottles, glasses, flew through the air and spilled out across the
grass. He had his sword in his other hand, still sheathed luckily, leaning right
downoverBrint,sprayingspitinhisface.“Nowyoufuckinglistentome,you
little bastard!” he snarled, “I hear anything more like that, anything, and you
won’thaveto worry about West!” He pressed thegripof his steel intoBrint’s
chest.“I’llcarveyoulikeafuckingchicken!”
The three men stared up at him, aghast, their mouths wide open, their
astonishmentatthissuddendisplayofviolenceequalledonlybyJezal’sown.
“But—”saidJalenhorm.
“What?”screamedJezal,seizingafistfulofthebigman’sjacketanddragging
himhalfoutofhischair.“Whatd’youfuckingsay?”
“Nothing,”hesqueaked,hishandsraised,“nothing.”Jezallethimdrop.The
furywasdrainingfast.Hehadhalfamindtoapologise,butwhenhesawBrint’s
ashenfaceallhecouldthinkofwas“shestrikesmeasthewillingtype”.
“Like!A! Fucking! Chicken!”he snarled again,thenturned onhisheel and
stalkedoff.Halfwaytothearchwayherealisedhehadlefthiscoatbehind,but
hecouldhardlygobackforitnow.Hemadeitintothedarknessofthetunnel,
tookacoupleofstepsdownitthensaggedagainstthewall,breathinghardand
tremblingasifhe’djustruntenmiles.Heunderstoodnowwhatitmeanttolose
one’stemper,andnomistake.Hehadneverevenrealisedthathehadonebefore,
buttherecouldbenodoubtnow.
“Whatthehellwas that about?” Brint’sshocked voice echoed quietly down
thetunnel,onlyjustaudibleoverthethumpingofJezal’sheart.Hehadtohold
hisbreathtohear.
“DamnedifIknow.”Jalenhorm,soundingevenmoresurprised.Therewasthe
rattle and scrape of the table being put straight. “Never knew he had such a
temper.”
“Isupposehemusthavealottothinkabout,”saidKaspa,uncertainly,“what
withtheContestandall…”
Brintcuthimoff.“That’snoexcuse!”
“Well they’re close, aren’t they? Him and West? What with all the fencing
togetherandwhathaveyou,maybeheknowsthesisterorsomething…Idon’t
know!”
“Thereisanotherexplanation,”JezalcouldhearBrintsaying,voicetenseas
thoughhewasabouttodeliverapunchline.“Perhapshe’sinlovewithher!”The
threeofthemburstoutlaughing.Itwasagoodjokealright.CaptainJezaldan
Luthar,inlove,andwithagirlwhosestationinlifewassofarbeneathhisown.
Whataridiculousidea!Whatanabsurdnotion!Whatajoke!
“Ohshit.”Jezalputhisheadinhishands.Hedidn’tfeellikelaughing.How
thehellhadshedonethistohim?How?Whatwasitabouther?Shewasfineto
lookat, of course, andclever,and funny, and allthosethings, but thatwasno
explanation.“Icannotseeheragain,”hewhisperedtohimself,“Iwillnot!”And
hethumpedhishandagainstthewall.Hisresolvewasiron.Italwayswas.
Untilthenextnotecameunderhisdoor.
Hegroanedandslappedthesideofhishead.Whydidhefeellikethis?Why
didhe…hecouldn’tevenbringhimselftothinktheword…likehersomuch?
Thenitcametohim.Heknewwhy.
Shedidn’tlikehim.
Those mocking half-smiles. Those sidelong glances he caught sometimes.
Those jokes that went just a little too close to the bone. Not to mention the
occasional examples of outright scorn. She liked his money, maybe. She liked
his position in the world, of course. She liked his looks, undoubtedly. But, in
essence,thewomandespisedhim.
And he’d never had that feeling before. He had always just assumed that
everybodylovedhim,hadneverreallyhad cause to doubt he was a fine man,
worthyofthehighestrespect.ButArdeedidn’tlikehim,hesawitnow,andthat
madehimthink.Apartfromthejaw,ofcourse,andthemoneyandtheclothes,
whatwastheretolike?
Shetreatedhimwiththecontemptheknewhedeserved.Andhecouldn’tget
enoughofit.“Strangestthing,”Jezalmumbledtohimself,slouchingmiserably
againstthewallofthetunnel.“Strangestthing.”
Itmadehimwanttochangehermind.
TheSeed
“Howareyou,Sand?”
Colonel Glokta opened his eyes. It was dark in the room. Damn it, he was
late!
“Damnit!”heshouted,shovingbackthecoversandleapingoutofbed.“I’m
late!” He snatched up his uniform trousers, shoving his legs in, fumbling with
hisbelt.
“Don’t worry about that, Sand!” His mothers voice was half soothing, half
impatient.“WhereistheSeed?”
Gloktafrownedoverashepushedhisshirtin.“I’venotimeforthisnonsense,
mother! Why do you always think you know what’s best for me?” He cast
aroundhimforhissword,butcouldn’tseeit.“We’reatwaryouknow!”
“Weareindeed.”TheColonellookedup,surprised.ItwasthevoiceofArch
LectorSult.“Twowars.Onefoughtwithfireandsteel,andanotheronebeneath
—an old war, long years in the making.” Glokta frowned. How ever could he
have mistaken that old windbag for his mother? And what was he doing in
Glokta’s chambers in any case? Sitting in the chair at the foot of his bed,
prattlingaboutoldwars?
“Whatthehellareyoudoinginmychambers?”growledColonelGlokta,“and
whathaveyoudonewithmysword?”
“WhereistheSeed?”Awoman’svoicenow,butnothismothers.Someone
else.Hedidnotrecogniseit.Hesquintedagainstthedarkness,strainingtosee
whowasinthechair.Hecouldmakeoutavagueoutline,buttheshadowswere
toodeeptotellmore.
“Whoareyou?”askedGloktasternly.
“WhowasI?OrwhatamI?”Thefigureinthechairshiftedasitroseslowly,
smoothly,fromitsseat.“Iwasapatientwoman,butIamwomannomore,and
thegrindingyearshavewornmypatiencethin.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”Glokta’svoicequivered,reedyandweakashebacked
away.
Thefiguremoved,steppingthroughtheshaftofmoonlightfromthewindow.
Awoman’sform,slenderandgraceful,butshadowsstucktotheface.Asudden
fearclawedathimandhestumbledbackagainstthewall,raisinghisarmtofend
thewomanoff.
“IwanttheSeed.”Apalehandsnakedoutandclosedaroundhisoutstretched
arm.Agentletouch,butcold.Coldasstone.Gloktatrembled,gasped,squeezed
shuthiseyes.“Ineedit.YoucannotknowtheneedIhave.Whereisit?”Fingers
pluckedathisclothes,quickanddeft,seeking,searching,dartinginhispockets,
inhisshirt,brushinghisskin.Cold.Coldasglass.
“TheSeed?”squeakedGlokta,halfparalysedwithterror.
“YouknowwhatIspeakof,brokenman.Whereisit?”
“The Maker fell…” he whispered. The words welled up, he knew not from
where.
“Iknowit.”
“…burning,burning…”
“Isawit.”Thefacewascloseenoughforhimtofeelthebreathuponhisskin.
Cold.Coldasfrost.
“…hebrokeuponthebridgebelow…”
“Irememberit.”
“…theysearchedfortheSeed…”
“Yes…” whispered the voice, urgent in his ear, “where is it?” Something
brushedagainsthisface,hischeek,hiseyelid,softand slimy.Atongue.Cold.
Coldasice.Hisfleshcrawled.
“Idon’tknow!Theycouldnotfindit!”
“Could not?” Fingers closed tight around his throat, squeezing, crushing,
chokingtheairfromhim.Cold.Coldasiron,andjustashard.“Youthinkyou
knowpain,brokenman?Youknownothing!”Theicybreathraspedinhisear,
theicyfingerssqueezed,squeezed.“ButIcanshowyou!Icanshowyou!”
Gloktascreamed,thrashed,struggled.Hefoughthiswayup,stoodforadizzy
instant,thenhislegbuckledandheplungedintospace.Thedarkroomtumbled
aroundhimandhecrashedtotheboardswithasickeningcrunch,hisarmfolded
beneathhim,hisforeheadcrackingagainstthefloor.
He struggled up, clawing at the leg of his bed, pushing himself against the
wall,snortingforbreath,staringwild-eyedtowardsthechair,yetbarelyableto
look for fear. A bar of moonlight spilled through the window, cut across the
rumpledbed-clothesandontothepolishedwoodoftheseat.Empty.
Glokta cast around the rest of the room, eyes adjusting to the darkness,
peeringintoeveryshadowycorner.Nothing.Empty.Adream.
Andnow,asthecrazyhammeringofhisheartrelaxed,ashisraggedbreathing
slowed, the pain came on. His head thumped, his leg screamed, his arm was
throbbingdully.Hecouldtasteblood,hiseyesstungandwept,hisgutsheaved,
sickandspinning.Hewhimpered,madeanagonisinghoptowardsthebed,then
collapsedonthemoonlitmattress,exhausted,wetwithcoldsweat.
Therewasanurgentknockingatthedoor.“Sir?Areyoualright?”Barnam’s
voice. The knocking came again. No good. It is locked. Always locked, but I
don’tthinkI’llbemoving.Frostwillhavetobreakitdown.Butthedoorswung
open, and Glokta shielded his eyes from the sudden ruddy glow of the old
servant’slamp.
“Areyoualright?”
“Ifell,”mumbledGlokta.“Myarm…”
Theoldservantperchedonthebed,takingGlokta’shandgentlyandpushing
upthesleeveofhisnight-shirt.Gloktawinced,Barnamclickedhistongue.His
forearmhadabigpinkmarkacrossit,alreadybeginningtoswellandredden.
“Idon’tthinkit’sbroken,”saidtheservant,“butIshouldfetchthesurgeon,
justincase.”
“Yes,yes.”HewavedBarnamawaywithhisgoodhand.“Fetchhim.”
Glokta watched the old servant hurry, stooped, out of the door, heard him
creakingalongthenarrowcorridoroutside,downthenarrowstairs.Heheardthe
frontdoorbangingshut.Silencedescended.
He looked over at the scroll he had taken from the Adeptus Historical, still
rolleduptightonthedresser,waitingtobedeliveredtoArchLectorSult.The
Makerfellburning.Hebrokeuponthebridgebelow.Strange,howpartsofthe
wakingworldstrayintoone’sdreams.ThatdamnedNorthmanandhisintruder.
Awoman,andcold.That’llbewhatsetmeoff.
Glokta rubbed his arm gently, pressing the sore flesh with his fingertips.
Nothing.Justadream.Andyetsomethingwasnigglingathim.Helookedover
atthebackofthedoor.Thekeywasstillinthelock,shiningorangeinthelight
fromthelamp.Notlocked,andyetImusthavelockedit.Musthave.Ialwaysdo.
Glokta looked back to the empty chair. What did that idiot apprentice say?
MagiccomesfromtheOtherSide.Theworldbelow.Hell.
Somehow, at that moment, after that dream, it did not seem so difficult to
believe.Thefearwasbuildinginhimagain,nowhewasalone.Hestretchedout
hisgoodhandtowardsthechair.Ittookanagetogetthere,trembling,shaking.
His fingers touched the wood. Cool, but not cold. Not cold. There is nothing
there.Heslowlywithdrewhishand,cradledhispulsingarm.Nothing.Empty.
Adream.
“Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”
Gloktasuckedsourlyathisgums.“Felloutofbed.”Hescratchedabsentlyat
his wrist through the dressing. Until a moment ago it had been throbbing like
hell,butthesightinfrontofhimhadpushedthepainintothebackofhismind.I
couldbeworseoff.Alotworse.“Notaprettysight.Notatall.”
“You’re damn right it’s not.” Severard looked as disgusted as was possible
withhalfhisfacecovered.“InearlypukedwhenIfirstsawit.Me!”
Glokta peered down, frowning, at the tangled mess of butchery, supporting
himselfagainstatree-trunkwithonehandandpushingsomeofthefernsaside
withthetipofhiscanetogetabetterlook.“Areweevensureit’saman?”
“Mightbeawoman.Humananyway.That’safoot.”
“Ah,soitis.Howwasitfound?”
“Hefoundit.”Severardnoddedovertowardsagardener:satonthe ground,
pale-facedandstaring,andwithasmallpoolofdryingvomitonthegrassbeside
him. “In amongst the trees here, hidden in the bushes. Looks as if whatever
killed it tried to hide it, but not long ago. It’s fresh.” It is indeed—barely any
smell, and only a couple of flies have arrived. Very fresh, perhaps last night
even.“Itmightnothavebeenfoundfordays,exceptsomeoneaskedforoneof
these trees to be pruned. Blocking out the light or something. You ever see
anythinglikethis?”
Glokta shrugged. “In Angland, once, before you came. One of the convicts
tried to escape. He made it a few miles, then succumbed to the cold. A bear
madefreewiththecorpse.Thatwasquiteamess,thoughnotnearasbadasthis
one.”
“Ican’tseeanyonefreezingtodeathlastnight.Itwashotashell.”
“Mmm,”saidGlokta.Ifhellishot.I’vealwaysthoughtitmightbecold.Cold
asice.“TherearefewbearswithintheAgriontinanycase.Dowehaveanyidea
astotheidentityofthis…”hewavedhiscanetowardsthecarcass“…person?”
“None.”
“Isanyoneunaccountedfor?Reportedmissing?”
“NotthatI’veheard.”
“Sowehavenottheslightestideaevenwhoourvictimis?Whythehellare
wetakinganinterest?Don’twehaveafakeMagustobewatching?”
“That’s just it. Their new quarters are right over there.” Severard’s gloved
finger pointed out a building not twenty strides away. “I was watching them
whenthiscametolight.”
Gloktaraisedaneyebrow.“Isee.Andyoususpectsomeconnection,doyou?”
The Practical shrugged. “Mysterious intruders in the dead of night, gruesome
murdersontheirverydoorstep?Ourvisitorsdrawtroublelikeshitdrawsflies.”
“Huh,”saidSeverard,swattingaflyawaywithhisglovedhand.“Ilookedinto
thatotherthingaswell.Yourbankers.ValintandBalk.”
Gloktalookedup.“Really?And?”
“Andnotalot.Anoldhouse.Veryoldandverywellrespected.Theirnotes
are good as gold among the merchants. They’ve got offices all across
Midderland, Angland, Starikland, in Westport, in Dagoska. Even outside the
Union. Powerful people, by all accounts. All kind of folk owe them money, I
reckon.Strangethingthough,nooneseemsevertohavemetaValintoraBalk.
Whocantellwithbanksthough,eh?Theylovesecrets.Youwantmetodigany
more?”
Itcouldbedangerous.Verydangerous.Digtoofarandwemightbedigging
our own graves. “No. We’d better leave off. For now. Keep your ears open
though.”
“Myearsarealwaysopen,chief.SowhodoyoulikefortheContest?”
Glokta glanced across at the Practical. “How can you think about that with
thisinfrontofyou?”
The Practical shrugged. “It won’t do ’em any harm, will it?” Glokta looked
backatthemangledbody.Isupposeitwont,atthat.“Socomeon,youshould
know,LutharorGorst?”
“Gorst.”Ihopehecarvesthelittlebastardintwo.
“Really?Peoplesayhe’saclumsyox.Luckyisall.”
“Well, I say he’sa genius,” said Glokta. “In a coupleofyearsthey’llall be
fencinglikehim,ifyoucancallitfencing.Youmarkmywords.”
“Gorst,eh?MaybeI’llhavealittlebet.”
“Youdothat.Butinthemeantimeyou’dbetterscrapethismessupandtakeit
totheUniversity.GetFrosttogiveyouahand,he’sgotastrongstomach.”
“TheUniversity?”
“Wellwecan’tjustleaveithere.Somefashionableladytakingaturninthe
park could get an awful shock.” Severard giggled. “And I might just know of
someonewhocanshedsomelightonthislittlemystery.”
“Thisisquiteaninterestingdiscoveryyou’vemade,Inquisitor.”TheAdeptus
Physical paused in his work and peered over at Glokta, one eye enormously
magnified through his glittering eyeglass. “Quite a fascinating discovery,” he
muttered, as he returned to the corpse with his instruments: lifting, prodding,
twisting,squintingdownattheglisteningflesh.
Gloktapeeredroundthelaboratory,hislipcurlingwithdistaste.Jarsofmany
differentsizeslinedtwoofthefourwalls,filledwithfloating,pickledlumpsof
meat. Some of those floating things Glokta recognised as parts of the human
body, some he did not. Even he felt slightly uncomfortable in amongst the
macabredisplay.IwonderhowKandelaucamebythemall?Dohisvisitorsend
up dismembered, floating in a dozen different jars? Perhaps I would make an
interestingspecimen?
“Fascinating.”TheAdeptusloosenedthestrapofhiseye-glassandperchedit
on top of his head, rubbing at the pink ring it had left behind around his eye.
“Whatcanyoutellmeaboutit?”
Gloktafrowned.“Icameheretofindoutwhatyoucantellmeaboutit.”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.”Kandelaupursedhislips.“Well,er,astothegenderof
ourunfortunatefriend,er…”hetrailedoff.
“Well?”
“Heh heh, well, er, the organs that would allow one to make an easy
determinationare…”andhegesturedatthemeatonthetable,harshlylitunder
theblazinglamps“…absent.”
“Andthatisthesumofyourinvestigation?”
“Well,thereareotherthings:aman’sthirdfingeristypicallylongerthanhis
first,notnecessarilysowithawomanbut,heh,ourremnantdoesnothaveallthe
digitsnecessarytomakesuchajudgement.Astogender,therefore,withoutthe
fingers, we are quite stumped!” He giggled nervously at his own joke. Glokta
didnot.
“Youngorold?”
“Well,er,againthatisquitedifficulttodetermine,Iamafraid.The,er,”and
the Adeptus tapped at the corpse with his tongs, “teeth here are in good
conditionand, heh, such skin as remainswouldappearto be consistent witha
youngerpersonbut,er,thisisreallyjust,hehheh—”
“Sowhatcanyoutellmeaboutthevictim?”
“Er,well…nothing.”Andhesmiledapologetically.“ButIhavemadesome
interestingdiscoveriesastothecauseofdeath!”
“Really?”
“Ohyes,look atthis!”I wouldrathernot. Gloktalimpedcautiouslyoverto
thebench,peeringdownatthespottheoldmanwasindicating.
“Youseehere?Theshapeofthiswound?”TheAdeptusproddedataflapof
gristle.
“NoIdonotsee,”saidGlokta.Itappearsalltobeoneenormouswoundto
me.
Theoldmanleanedtowardshim,hiseyeswide.“Human,”hesaid.
“Weknowthatitishuman!Thisisafoot!”
“No!No!Theseteethmarks,here…theyarehumanbites!”
Gloktafrowned.“Human…bites?”
“Absolutely!” Kandelau’s beaming smile was quite at odds with the
surroundings.Andwiththe subjectmatter, Iratherthink. “This individual was
bitten to death by another person, and, heh heh, in all likelihood,” and he
gestured triumphantly at the mess on his table, “considering the incomplete
natureoftheremains…partiallyeaten!”
Glokta stared at the old man for a moment. Eaten? Eaten? Why must every
question answered raise ten more? “This is what you would have me tell the
ArchLector?”
TheAdeptuslaughednervously.“Well,hehheh,thesearethefacts,asIsee
them…”
“A person, unidentified, perhaps a man, perhaps a woman, either young or
old,wasattackedintheparkbyanunknownassailant,bittentodeathwithintwo
hundredstridesoftheKing’spalaceandpartially…eaten?”
“Er…” Kandelau gave a worried glance sideways towards the entrance.
Gloktaturnedtolook,andfrowned.Therewasanewarrivalthere,onethathe
hadnotheardenter.Awoman,standingintheshadowsattheedgeofthebright
lamp-lightwithherarmsfolded.Atallwomanwithshort,spikyredhairanda
black mask on her face, staring at Glokta and the Adeptus through narrowed
eyes.APractical.ButnotoneIrecognise,andwomenarequiteararityinthe
Inquisition.Iwouldhavethought…
“Goodafternoon,goodafternoon!”Amansteppedbrisklythroughthedoor:
gaunt, balding, with a long black coat and a prim little smile on his face. An
unpleasantlyfamiliarman.Goyle,damnhim.OurnewSuperiorofAdua,arrived
atlast.Greatnews.“InquisitorGlokta,”hepurred,“whatanabsolutepleasureit
istoseeyouagain!”
“Likewise,SuperiorGoyle.”Youbastard.
Two other figures followed close behind the grinning Superior, making the
glaringlittleroomseemquitecrowded.Onewasadark-skinned,stockyKantic
withabiggoldenringthroughhisear,theotherwasamonsterofaNorthman
withafacelikeastoneslab.Healmosthadtostooptocramhimselfthroughthe
doorway.BothweremaskedanddressedfromheadtotoeinPracticalsblack.
“This is Practical Vitari,” chuckled Goyle, indicating the red-haired woman,
who had flowed over to the jars and was peering into them, one at a time,
tapping on the glass and making the specimens wobble. “And these are
PracticalsHalim,”theSouthernersidledpastGoyleandintotheroom,busyeyes
darting here and there, “and Byre.” The monstrous Northman gazed down at
Glokta from up near the ceiling. “In his own country they call him the Stone-
Splitter, would you believe, but I don’t think that would work here, do you
Glokta?PracticalStone-Splitter,canyouimagine?”Helaughedsoftlytohimself
andshookhishead.
AndthisistheInquisition?Ihadnoideathecircuswasintown.Iwonderif
theystandoneachothersshoulders?Orjumpthroughflaminghoops?
“Aremarkablydiverseselection,”saidGlokta.
“Ohyes,”laughedGoyle,“Ihavepickedthemupwherevermytravelshave
takenme,ehmyfriends?”
The woman shrugged as she prowled around the jars. The dark-skinned
Practicalinclinedhishead.ThetoweringNorthmansimplystoodthere.
“Wherever my travels have taken me!” chuckled Goyle, just as though
everyoneelsehadlaughedwithhim.“AndIhavemorebesides!It’sbeenquitea
time,Idodeclare!”Hewipedatearofmirthfromhiseyeashemovedtowards
the table in the centre of the room. It seemed that everything was a source of
amusementtohim,eventhething on the bench. “But what’sallthis? Abody,
unless I’m quite mistaken!” Goyle looked up sharply, his eyes sparkling. “A
body?Adeathwithinthecity?AsSuperiorofAdua,surelythatfallswithinmy
province?”
Glokta bowed. “Naturally. I was not aware that you had arrived, Superior
Goyle.Also,Ifeltthattheunusualcircumstancesofthis—”
“Unusual?Iseenothingunusual.”Gloktapaused.Whatgameisthischuckling
foolplaying?
“Surelyyouwouldagreethattheviolencehereis…exceptional.”
Goylegaveaflamboyantshrug.“Dogs.”
“Dogs?”askedGlokta,unabletoletthatonepass.“Domesticpetsrunmad,do
youthink,orwildoneswhichclimbedoverthewalls?”
The Superior only smiled. “Whichever you like, Inquisitor. Whichever you
like.”
“I’m afraid it could not possibly be dogs,” the Adeptus Physical began
pompouslytoexplain.“IwasonlyjustmakingcleartoInquisitorGlokta…these
marks here, and on the skin here, do you see? These are human bites,
undoubtedly…”
The woman sauntered away from the jars, closer and closer to Kandelau,
leaningintowardshimuntilhermaskwasonlyinchesawayfromhisbeakofa
nose.Heslowlytrailedoff.“Dogs,”shewhispered,thenbarkedinhisface.
TheAdeptusjumpedaway.“Well,IsupposeIcouldhavebeenmistaken…of
course…”HebackedintotheenormousNorthman’schest,whohadmovedwith
surprising speed to position himself directly behind. Kandelau turned slowly
around,staringupwithwideeyes.
“Dogs,”intonedthegiant.
“Dogs,dogs,dogs,”hummedthesouthernerinathickaccent.
“Ofcourse,”squeakedKandelau,“dogs,ofcourse,howfoolishI’vebeen!”
“Dogs!”shoutedGoyleindelight,throwinghishandsintheair.“Themystery
issolved!”ToGlokta’samazement,twoofthethreePracticalsbeganpolitelyto
applaud.Thewomanstayedsilent.IneverbelievedthatIwouldmissSuperior
Kalyne,butsuddenlyIamovercomewithnostalgia.Goyleturnedslowlyround,
bowinglow.“Myfirstdayhere,andalreadyIwarmtothework!Youcanbury
this,” he said, gesturing to the corpse and smiling broadly at the cringing
Adeptus.“Bestburied,eh?”HelookedoverattheNorthman.“Backtothemud,
asyousayinyourcountry!”
ThemassivePracticalshowednottheslightestsignthatanyonehadspoken.
TheKanticwasstandingthere,turningtheringthroughhisearroundandround.
Thewomanwaspeeringdownatthecarcassonthetable,sniffingatitthrough
her mask. The Adeptus Physical was backed up against his jars, sweating
profusely.
Enough of this pantomime. I have work to do. “Well,” said Glokta stiffly,
limpingforthedoor,“themysteryissolved.Youdon’tneedmeanymore.”
Superior Goyle turned to look at him, his good humour suddenly vanished.
“No!”hehissed,furiouslittleeyesnearlypoppingoutofhishead.“Wedon’t…
needyou…anymore!”
NeverBetAgainstaMagus
Logen sat in the hot sun, hunched over on his bench, and sweated. The
ridiculousclothesdidnothelpwiththesweating,orindeedwithanythingelse.
The tunic had not been designed to sit down in, and the stiff leather dug
painfullyintohisfruitswheneverhetriedtomove.
“Fuckingthing,”hegrowled,tuggingatitforthetwentiethtime.Quailooked
hardly more comfortable in his magical garb—the glittering of the gold and
silversymbolsonlyservedtomakehisfacelookthemoreillandpallid,hiseyes
themore twitchyandbulging. He’dhardlyspoken a wordall morning. Ofthe
threeofthem,onlyBayazappearedtobeenjoyinghimself,beamingroundatthe
surgingcrowdsonthebenches,thesunlightshiningoffhistannedpate.
Theystoodoutamongtheheavingaudiencelikewell-rottedfruit,andseemed
aboutaspopular.Eventhoughthebencheswerepackedshouldertoshouldera
small,nervousspacehadbuiltuparoundthethreeofthemwherenoonewould
sit.
Thenoisewasevenmorecrushingthantheheatandthecrowds.Logen’sears
hummedwiththedin. It was the most he could do to keepfromclampinghis
handsoverthemandthrowinghimselfunderthebenchforcover.Bayazleaned
towardshim.“Wasthiswhatyourduelswerelike?”Hehadtoshouteventhough
hismouthwasbarelysixinchesfromLogen’sear.
“Huh.”EvenwhenLogenhadfoughtRuddThreetrees,whenagoodpartof
Bethod’s army had drawn up in a great half-circle to watch, shouting and
screamingandhammeringtheirweaponsagainsttheirshields,whenthewallsof
Uffrithabovethemhadbeencrammedwithonlookers,hisaudiencehadnotbeen
halfthissize,nothalfthisnoisy.Nomorethanthirtymenhadwatchedhimkill
Shama Heartless, kill him then butcher him like a pig. Logen winced and
flinched and hunched his shoulders higher at the memory of it. Cutting, and
cutting, and licking the blood from his fingers, while the Dogman stared in
horrorandBethodlaughedandcheeredhimon.Hecouldtastethebloodnow,
andheshudderedandwipedhismouth.
Therehadbeensomanyfewerpeople,andyetthestakeshadbeensomuch
higher. The lives of the fighters, for one thing, and the ownership of land, of
villages,of towns,thefutures ofwholeclans. Whenhe’dfought Tul Duru,no
morethanahundredhadwatched,butperhapsthewholefateoftheNorthhad
turnedonthatbloodyhalfhour.Ifhe’dlostthen,iftheThunderheadhadkilled
him,wouldthingsbethesame?IfBlackDow,orHardingGrim,oranyofthose
othershadputhiminthemud,wouldBethodhaveagoldenchainnow,andcall
himselfaKing?WouldthisUnionbeatwarwiththeNorth?Thethoughtmade
hisheadhurt.Evenmore.
“Youalright?”askedBayaz.
“Mmm,”Logenmumbled,buthewasshivering,evenintheheat.Whatwere
all these people here for? Only to be amused. Few could’ve found Logen’s
battles very amusing, except Bethod, perhaps. Few others. “This isn’t like my
fights,”hemutteredtohimself.
“What’sthat?”askedBayaz.
“Nothing.”
“Uh.”Theoldmanbeamedaroundatthecrowd,scratchingathisshortgrey
beard.“Whodoyouthinkwillwin?”
Logenreallydidn’tmuchcare,buthereckonedthatanydistractionfromhis
memories was welcome. He peered into the enclosures where the two fighters
were getting ready, not far from where he was sitting. The handsome, proud
young man they’d met at the gate was one of them. The other was heavy and
powerful-looking,withathickneckandalookalmostbored.
Heshruggedhisshoulders.“Idon’tknowanythingaboutthisbusiness.”
“What, you? The Bloody-Nine? A champion who fought and won ten
challenges? The most feared man in the North? No opinion? Surely single
combatisthesametheworldover!”
Logenwincedandlickedhislips.TheBloody-Nine.Thatwasfarinthepast,
butnotfarenoughforhisliking.Hismouthstilltastedlikemetal,likesalt,like
blood.Touchingamanwithaswordandcuttinghimopenwithonearehardly
thesamethings,buthelookedthetwoopponentsoveragain.Theproudyoung
manrolleduphissleeves,touchedhistoes,swivelledhisbodythiswayandthat,
swung his arms round in quick windmills, watched by a stern old soldier in a
spotless red uniform. A tall, worried-looking man handed the fighter two thin
swords,onelongerthantheother,andhewhiskedthemaroundbeforehiminthe
airwithimpressivespeed,bladesflashing.
His opponent stood there, leaning against the wooden side of his enclosure,
stretching his bull neck from side to side without much hurry, glancing round
withlazyeyes.
“Who’swho?”askedLogen.
“The pompous ass from the gate is Luthar. The one who’s half asleep is
Gorst.”
Itwasplainwhothecrowdpreferred.Lutharsnamecouldbeheardoftenin
thedin,andwhoopsandclapsgreetedeverymovementofhisthinswords.He
looked quick, and deft, and clever, but there was something deadly in that big
man’swaitingslouch,somethingdarkabouthisheavy-liddedeyes.Logenwould
ratherhavefoughtLuthar,forallhisspeed.“IreckonGorst.”
“Gorst,really?”Bayaz’eyessparkled.“Howaboutalittlebet?”
LogenheardasharpsuckofbreathfromQuai.“NeverbetagainstaMagus,”
whisperedtheapprentice.
Itdidn’tseemtomakemuchdifferencetoLogen.“WhatthehellhaveIgotto
betwith?”
Bayazshrugged.“Well,let’sjustsayforhonourthen?”
“Ifyoulike.”Logenhadneverhadtoomuchofthat,andthelittlehedidhave
hedidn’tcareaboutlosing.
“BremerdanGorst!”Thescatteredclappingwassmotheredbyanavalanche
ofhissesandboosasthegreatoxshambledtowardshismark,half-closedeyes
ontheground,big,heavysteelsdanglingfromhisbig,heavyhands.Betweenhis
short-croppedhairandthecollarofhisshirt,wherehisneckshouldhavebeen,
therewasnothingbutathickfoldofmuscle.
“Ugly bastard,” Jezal murmured to himself, as he watched him go. “Damn
idiotuglybastard.”Buthiscurseslackedconviction,eventohisownear.Hehad
watchedthatmanfightthreeboutsanddemolishthreegoodopponents.Oneof
themhadstilltoleavehissickbedaweeklater.Jezalhadbeentrainingforthe
lastfewdaysspecificallytocounterGorst’sbludgeoningstyle:VaruzandWest
swinging big broom handles at him while he dodged this way and that. More
thanonceoneofthemhadmadecontact,andJezalwasstillsmartingfromthe
bruises.
“Gorst?” offered the referee plaintively, doing his best to wheedle some
applause from the audience, but they were having none of it. The boos only
becamelouder,joinedbyjeersandhecklingasGorsttookhismark.
“Youclumsyox!”
“Getbacktoyourfarmandpullaplough!”
“Bremerthebrute!”andothersuch.
Thepeoplestretchedback,andback,andbackintoobscurity.Everyonewas
there.Everyoneintheworld,itlookedlike.Everycommonerinthecityround
the distant edges. Every gentleman, artisan and trader thronging the middle
benches.EverynoblemanorwomanintheAgrionttowardsthefront,fromfifth
sons of high-born nobodies to the great magnates of the Open and Closed
Councils. The Royal box was full: the Queen, the two Princes, Lord Hoff, the
PrincessTerez.TheKingevenappearedtobeawakeforonce,trulyanhonour,
his goggling eyes staring around in amazement. Out there somewhere were
Jezal’s father and his brothers, his friends and fellow officers, his entire
acquaintance,moreorless.Ardeetoo,hehoped,watching…
Allinall,itwasquiteanaudience.
“Jezal dan Luthar!” bellowed the referee. The meaningless bibble-babble of
thecrowdsurgedinto a storm of cheering,athunderouswave of support. The
criesandshoutsrangandechoedaroundthearena,makingJezal’sheadthrob.
“Comeon,Luthar!”
“Luthar!”
“Killthebastard!”andothersuch.
“Offyougo,Jezal,”whisperedMarshalVaruzinhisear,clappinghimonthe
backandpushinghimgentlyouttowardsthecircle,“andgoodluck!”
Jezal walked in a daze, the noise of the crowd punching at his ears until it
seemedhisheadwouldsplit.Thetrainingofthelastfewmonthsflashedthrough
his mind. The running, the swimming, the work with the heavy bar. The
sparring,thebeam,theendlessforms.Thepunishment,thestudy,thesweating
andthepain.Justsohecouldstandhere.Seventouches.Thefirsttofour.Itall
camedowntothis.
He took his mark opposite Gorst, and stared into those heavy-lidded eyes.
Theylookedback,coolandcalm,seemingalmosttostarepasthimasthoughhe
wasn’tthere.Thatneedledhimandhepushedthethoughtsoutofhisheadand
raisedhighhisnoblechin.Hewouldnot,couldnot,letthisoafgetthebetterof
him.Hewouldshowallthesepeoplehisblood,andhisskill,andhismettle.He
wasJezaldanLuthar.Hewouldwin.Itwasanincontestablefact.Heknewit.
“Begin!”
Thefirstcutsenthimreeling,shatteringhisconfidence,hispoise,andnearly
hiswrist.HehadbeenwatchingGorstfence,ofcourse,ifyoucouldcallitthat,
soheknewthemanwouldcomeoutswinging,butnothingcouldhaveprepared
himforthatfirstshatteringcontact.Thecrowdgaspedwithhimashestaggered
back.Allhiscarefullylaidplans,allofVaruz’carefullywordedadvice,vanished
intoair.Hewincedwithpainandshock,hisarmstillvibratingfromtheforceof
thatmightyblow,hisearsstillringingfromthecrashingnoiseofit,hismouth
hangingopen,hiskneeswobbling.
Itwashardlythemostpromisingstart,butthenextchopfollowedhardafter
the first, flashing down with even greater power. Jezal leaped aside and slid
away,tryingtomakeroomandgivehimselftime.Timetoworkoutsometactic,
sometricktostemthepitilesstideofswingingmetal.ButGorstwasnotaboutto
give him time. He was already loosing another throaty growl, his long steel
alreadybegunonitsnextirresistiblearc.
Jezal dodged where he could, blocked where he couldn’t, his wrists already
achingfromtheceaselesspunishment.TobeginwithhehopedthatGorstwould
tire.Noonecouldthrowthosegreatlumpsofmetalaroundforlongthewaythat
he was doing. Soon the fierce pace would take its toll on the big man and he
wouldslow,anddroop,andtheheavysteelswouldlosetheirvenom.ThenJezal
wouldfightbackdoggedly,runhisopponentragged,andwin.Thecrowdwould
cracktheAgriontwiththeircheers.Aclassictaleofvictoryagainsttheodds.
OnlyGorst didnottire. Themanwas amachine.After afew minutes there
was still not the slightest sign of weariness in those heavy-lidded eyes. There
was barely any emotion of any kind that Jezal could see, during the rare
momentswhenhedaredtotakehiseyesawayfromtheflashingswords.Thebig
long steel swung, swung, swung in its brutal circles, and the short steel was
always there to turn away such feeble efforts as Jezal could make in between,
never faltering or dropping even an inch. The power of the blows did not
decrease,thegrowlstorefromGorst’sthroatwithasmuchvigourasever.The
crowdweregivennothingtocheerat,andmerelymutteredangrily.ItwasJezal
who began to feel his legs slowing, to feel the sweat springing out of his
forehead,tofeelhisgriponhissteelsslipping.
Hesawitcomingfromamileaway,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoabout
it.Hehadbackedoffuntilheranoutofcircle.Hehadblockedandparrieduntil
helostthefeelinginhisfingers.Thistime,whenheraisedhisachingarmand
there was the crash of metal on metal, one tired foot slipped and he tumbled
squawkingfromthering,flounderingonhisside,hisshortsteelspinningfrom
his twitching fingers. His face slapped against the ground and he took a gritty
mouthfulofsand.Itwasapainfulandembarrassingfall,buthefelttootiredand
too battered to be all that disappointed. He was almost relieved that the
punishmentwasover,ifonlyforamoment.
“OnetoGorst!”shoutedthereferee.Alightdustingofapplausewascrushed
beneathhootsofderision,butthebigmanseemedscarcelytonotice,shuffling
backtohismarkwithhisheaddownandalreadypreparingforthenexttouch.
Jezal rolled slowly onto his hands and knees, flexing his aching hands and
takinghistimegettingup.Heneededamomenttobreatheandmakeready,to
thinkupsomestrategy.Gorstwaitedforhim:big,silent,still.Jezalbrushedthe
sandfromhisshirt,mindracing.Howtobeathim?How?Hesteppedcautiously
backtohismark,raisedhissteels.
“Begin!”
This time Gorst came out even harder, slashing away as if he was scything
wheat,makingJezaldancearoundthecircle.Oneblowpassedsoclosetohisleft
sidethathecouldfeelthewindfromitonhischeek.Thenextmissedhimbya
marginnogreateronhisright.ThenGorstflungasidewayssweepaimedathis
headandJezalsawanopening.Heduckedbeneathit,surethebladetoreatthe
hairsontopofhisscalp.Heclosedthedistanceastheheavylongsteelswung
away,almostcatchingtherefereeinthefaceontheback-swing,leavingGorst’s
rightsideallbutundefended.
Jezallunged atthebig bastard,surehe had finallygot through, knowinghe
hadmadeitonetouchapiece.ButGorstcaughtthethrustonhisshortsteeland
forceditjustwide,theguardsofthetwobladesscrapingthenlockingtogether.
JezalcutathimviciouslywithhisshortsteelbutsomehowGorstblockedthat
too,bringinguphisotherswordjustintime,catchingJezal’sbladeandholding
itjustshortofhischest.
Foramomenttheirfoursteelswerelockedtogether,hiltsgrating,theirfaces
justafewinchesapart.Jezalwassnarlinglikeadog,teethbared,themusclesof
his face a rigid mask. Gorst’s heavy features showed little sign of effort. He
lookedlikeamanhavingapiss:involvedinamundaneand faintlydistasteful
taskthatmustsimplybedonewithasquicklyaspossible.
For a moment their blades were locked together, Jezal pushing with every
grain of strength, each hard-trained muscle flexing: legs straining against the
ground, stomach straining to twist his arms, arms straining to push his hands,
handsgrippedaroundthehiltsofhissteelslikegrimdeath.Everymuscle,every
sinew, every tendon. He knew he had the better position, the big man was off
balance,ifonlyhecouldpushhimbackastep…aninch…
For that moment their steels were locked together, then Gorst dipped his
shoulder,andgrunted,andflungJezalawayasachildmightflingawayaboring
toy.
Hetumbledback,mouthandeyeswideopenwithsurprise,feetkickingatthe
dirt,allhisattentionfocusedonstayingupright.HeheardGorstgrowlagain,and
wasshockedtoseetheheavylongsteelalreadycurvingthroughtheairtowards
him.Hewasinnopositiontododge,andtherewasnotimeanyway.Heraised
hisleftarmonaninstinct,butthethick,bluntedbladetorehisshortsteelaway
likeastrawonthewindandcrashedintohisribs,hammeringthebreathfromhis
body in a wail of pain that echoed round and round the silent arena. His legs
crumpledunderhimandhesprawledoutontheturf,limbsflopping,sighinglike
asplitbellows.
Thistimetherewasnoteventheshadowofapplause.Thecrowdroaredtheir
hatred,booingandhissingatGorstforalltheywereworthashetrudgedbackto
hisenclosure.
“Damnyou,Gorst,youthug!”
“GetupLuthar!Upandathim!”
“Gohome,youbrute!”
“Youdamnsavage!”
Theirhissesturned to half-hearted cheers as Jezalpickedhimselfup offthe
grass,hiswholeleftsidepulsing.Hewouldhavescreamedwiththepainifhe
hadanybreathleftinhim.Forallhiseffort,forallhistraining,hewasutterly
outclassedandheknewit.Thethoughtofdoingitallagainnextyearmadehim
wanttovomit.Hedidhisbesttoappearundauntedashestruggledbacktohis
enclosure,buthecouldnothelpsaggingdownheavilyinhischairwhenhegot
there,droppinghisnotchedsteelsontheflagsandgaspingforbreath.
Westbentoverhimandpulleduphisshirttocheckthedamage.Jezalpeered
downgingerly,halfexpectingtoseeagreatholecavedinhisside,buttherewas
onlyanuglyredweltacrosshisribs,somebruisingalreadycominguparoundit.
“Anythingbroken?”askedMarshalVaruz,peeringoverWest’sshoulder.
JezalfoughtbackthetearsastheMajorprobedhisside.“Idon’tthinkso,but
damn it!” West threw his towel down in disgust. “You call this the beautiful
sport?Istherenoruleagainsttheseheavysteels?”
Varuzshookhisheadgrimly.“Theyallhavetobethesamelength,butthere’s
norulefortheweight.Imean,whywouldanyonewantheavyones?”
“Nowwe know, don’twe!”snappedWest.“Areyou sureweshouldn’tstop
thisbeforethatbastardtakeshisheadoff?”
Varuzignoredhim.“Nowlookhere,”saidtheoldMarshal,leaningdownto
talk in Jezal’s face. “It’s the best of seven touches! First to four! There’s still
time!”
Time for what? For Jezal to get cut in half, blunted steels or no? “He’s too
strong!”Jezalgasped.
“Toostrong?Noone’stoostrongforyou!”ButevenVaruzlookeddoubtful.
“There’s still time! You can beat him!” The old Marshal tugged at his
moustaches.“Youcanbeathim!”
ButJezalnoticedhedidnotsuggesthow.
Gloktawasbecomingworriedhemightchoke,soconvulsivewashislaughter.
HetriedtothinkofsomethinghewouldratherseethanJezaldanLutharbeing
smashedaroundafencingcircle,andfailed.Theyoungmanwincedashejust
barely blocked a raking cut. He had not been handling his left side at all well
sincehetookthatblowintheribs,andGloktacouldalmostfeelhispain.And
my, my, how nice it is to feel someone else’s for a change. The crowd sulked,
silent and brooding as Gorst harried their favourite around with his brutal
slashes,whileGloktasplutteredgigglesthroughhisclenchedgums.
Luthar was quick and flashy, and he moved well once he saw the steels
coming. A competent fighter. Good enough to win a Contest, no doubt, in a
mediocre year. Quick feet, and quick hands, but his mind is not as sharp as it
shouldbe.Asitneedstobe.Heistoopredictable.
Gorst was an entirely different proposition. He seemed to be swinging, and
swinging,withoutathoughtinhishead.ButGloktaknewbetter.Hehasawhole
newway ofdoingthings. Itwas alljab,jab inmy day.Bynextyears Contest
they’llallbechoppingawaywiththesebig,heavysteels.Gloktawonderedidly
ifhecouldhavebeatenGorst,athisbest.Itwouldhavebeenaboutworthseeing
anyway—adamnsightbetterthanthismismatch.
Gorst easily dealt with a couple of limp jabs, then Glokta winced and the
crowdhissedasLutharjustbarelyparriedanothergreatbutcherschop,theforce
of it nearly lifting him off his feet. He had no way to avoid the next swing,
pressedagainsttheedgeofthecircleashewas,andhewasforcedtojumpback
intothesand.
“Threetonothing!”shoutedthereferee.
Glokta shook with merriment as he watched Luthar chop at the ground in
frustration,sendingupapetulantsprayofsand,hisfaceapictureofpaleself-
pity. Dear me, Captain Luthar, it will be four to nothing. A whitewash. An
embarrassment. Perhaps this will teach that whining little shit some humility.
Somemenarebetteroffforagoodbeating.Onlylookatme,eh?
“Begin!”
Thefourthtouchbeganpreciselyasthethirdhadended.WithLuthartakinga
hammering. Glokta could see it, the man was out of ideas. His left arm was
movingslowly,painfully,hisfeetlookedheavy.Anothernumbingblowcrashed
againsthislongsteel,makinghimstumblebacktowardstheedgeofthecircle,
off-balance and gasping. Gorst needed only to press his attack a little further.
And something tells me he is not the man to let up when he’s ahead. Glokta
grabbedhiscane,pushedhimselftohisfeet.Anyonecouldseeitwasallover,
andhehadnowishtobecaughtinthecrushasthedisappointedcrowdsalltried
toleaveatonce.
Gorst’sheavylongsteelflasheddownthroughtheair.Thefinalblow,surely.
Luthars only choice was to try and block it and be knocked clean out of the
circle.Oritmightjustsplithisfathead.Wecanhopeforthat.Gloktasmiled,
halfturnedtoleave.
Butoutofthecornerofhiseye,somehow,hesawthecutmiss.Gorstblinked
ashisheavylongsteelthuddedintotheturf,thengruntedasLutharcaughthim
acrossthelegwithaleft-handedcut.Itwasthemostemotionhehadshownall
day.
“One to Luthar!” shouted the referee after a brief pause, unable to entirely
keeptheamazementoutofhisvoice.
“No,” murmured Glokta to himself, as the crowd around him erupted into
riotous applause. No. He had fought hundreds of touches in his youth, and
watchedthousandsmore,buthehad neverseenanything quitelikethat,never
seenanyonemovesoquickly.Lutharwasagoodswordsman,heknewit.Butno
oneisthatgood.Hefrownedashewatchedthetwofinalistscomeoutfromtheir
secondbreakandtaketheirmarks.
“Begin!”
Lutharwastransformed.HeharriedGorstwithfurious,lightningjabs,giving
himnotimetogetstarted.Itwasthebigmannowwhoseemedstretchedtothe
limit:blocking,dodging,tryingtostayoutofreach.Itwasasthoughtheyhad
sneakedtheoldLutharawayinthebreakandreplacedhimwithadifferentman
altogether:astronger,faster,farmoreconfidenttwinbrother.
So long denied something to cheer for, the crowd whooped and yelled as
though they’d split their throats. Glokta did not share their enthusiasm.
Something is wrong here. Something is wrong. He glanced across the faces
nearby, but no one else had sensed anything amiss. They only saw what they
wanted to see: Luthar giving the ugly brute a spectacular and well-deserved
thrashing.Glokta’seyesscannedacrossthebenches,notknowingwhathewas
lookingfor.
Bayaz,so-called.Sittingnearthefront,leaningforwardandstaringatthetwo
fighters with fixed concentration, his “apprentice” and the scarred Northman
beside him. No one else noticed it, everyone was intent on the fighters before
them,butGloktadid.Herubbedhiseyesandlookedagain.Somethingwrong.
“SayonethingfortheFirstoftheMagi,sayhe’sacheatingbastard,”growled
Logen.
Bayaz had a little smile at the corner of his mouth as hemopped the sweat
fromhisforehead.“Whoeversaidhewasn’t?”
Lutharwasintroubleagain.Badtrouble.Eachtimeheblockedoneofthose
heavy sweeps, his swords snapped back further, his grip seemed slacker. Each
timehedodged,heendedupalittlefurtherbacktowardstheedgeoftheyellow
circle.
Then,whentheendseemedcertain,outofthecornerofhiseye,Logensaw
the air above Bayaz’ shoulders shimmer, as it had on the road south when the
treesburned,andhefeltthatstrangetuggingathisguts.
Lutharseemedsuddenlytofindnewvigour.Hecaughtthenextgreatblowon
thegripofhisshortsword.Amomentbefore,itmighteasilyhavesentthething
flyingfromhishand.Nowhehelditthereforaninstant,thenflungitawaywith
acry,pushinghisopponent offbalanceandjumping forward, suddenlyonthe
attack.
“IfyouwerecaughtcheatinginaNorthernduel,”growledLogen,shakinghis
head,“they’dcutthebloodycrossintoyourstomachandpullyourgutsout.”
“Lucky for me,” murmured Bayaz through gritted teeth, without taking his
eyes away from the fighters, “that we are in the North no longer.” Sweat was
alreadybeadinghisbaldscalpagain,runningdownhisfaceinfatdrops.Hisfists
wereclenchedtightandtremblingwitheffort.
Luthar struck furiously, again and again, his swords a flashing blur. Gorst
gruntedandgrowledasheturnedtheblowsaway,butLutharwastooquickfor
himnow,andtoostrong.Hedrovehimmercilesslyacrossthecirclelikeacrazy
dogmightdriveacow.
“Fuckingcheating,”growledLogenagain,asLutharsbladeflashedandlefta
brightredlineacrossGorst’scheek.Afewdropsofbloodspatteredacrossinto
thecrowdonLogen’sleft,andtheyexplodedintoriotouscheering.That,justfor
a moment, was a shadow of his own duels. The referee’s cry of three apiece
couldhardlybeheardatall.Gorstfrownedslightlyandtouchedonehandtohis
face.
Above the din, Logen could just hear Quai’s whisper. “Never bet against a
Magus…”
Jezalknewthathewasgood,buthehadneverdreamedhecouldbethisgood.
Hewassharpasacat,nimbleasafly,strongasabear.Hisribsnolongerhurt,
hiswristsnolongerhurt,alltraceoftirednesshadlefthim,alltraceofdoubt.He
wasfearless,peerless,unstoppable.Theapplausethunderedaroundhimandyet
hecouldheareverywordofit,seeeverydetailofeveryfaceinthecrowd.His
heartwaspumpingtinglingfireinsteadofblood,hislungsweresuckinginthe
veryclouds.
Hedidnotbothereventositinthebreak,sogreatwas hiseagerness toget
backintothecircle.Thechairwasaninsulttohim.Hewasnotlisteningtowhat
Varuz and West were saying. They were of no importance. Little people, far
below.Theystaredathim:flushed,amazed,aswelltheymightbe.
Hewasthegreatestswordsmanever.
ThatcrippleGloktacouldnothaveknownhowrighthewas:Jezalhadonlyto
try,itseemed,andhecouldhaveanythinghewanted.Hechuckledashedanced
backtothemark.Helaughedasheheardthecrowdscheer.HesmiledatGorst
ashesteppedbackintothecircle.Allwaspreciselyasitshouldbe.Thoseeyes
werestillheavy-lidded,lazyabovethelittleredcutthatJezalhadgivenhim,but
there was something else there now as well: a trace of shock, of wariness, of
respect.Aswelltheremightbe.
There was nothing that Jezal could not do. He was invincible. He was
unstoppable.Hewas…
“Begin!”
…completely lost. The pain lanced through his side and made him gasp.
Suddenlyhewasafraid,andtired,andweakagain.Gorstgrowledandunleashed
his savage cuts, jarring the steels in Jezal’s hands, making him jump like a
frightenedrabbit.Themasterywasgone,theanticipation,thenerve,andGorst’s
onslaught was more brutal than ever. He felt a terrible lurch of despair as his
longsteelwastornfromhisbuzzingfingers,flewthroughtheairandclattered
intothebarrier.Jezalwasbludgeonedtohisknees.Thecrowdgasped.Itwasall
over…
…Itwasnotover.Theblowwasarcingdowntowardshim.Thefinalblow.It
seemed to drift. Slow, slow, as though through honey. Jezal smiled. It was a
simplematterforhimtopushitawaywithhisshortsteel.Thestrengthflowed
again. He sprang upwards, shoved Gorst away with his empty hand, flicked
anotherswingaside,andthenanother,hisonesworddoingtheworkoftwowith
timeto spare. The arenawasbreathlesssilent but fortherapid clashing of the
steels.Rightandleft,rightandleftwenttheshortblade,flashingfasterthanhis
eye could follow, faster than his mind could think, seeming almost to be
dragginghimalongbehindit.
TherewasasquealofmetalonmetalasittoreGorst’snotchedlongsteelfrom
hishand,thenanotherasitflickeredacrossanddidthesamewithhisshort.For
amoment,allwasstill.Thebig man,disarmed andwith hisheels onthe very
edgeofthecircle,lookedupatJezal.Thecrowdwassilent.
ThenJezalslowlyliftedhisshortsteel,allofasuddenseemingtoweighaton,
andpokedGorstgentlyintheribswithit.
“Huh,”saidthebigmanquietly,raisinghiseyebrows.
Thenthecrowdexplodedintodeafeningapplause.Thenoisewentonandon,
risingandrising,washingoverJezalinwaves.Nowthatitwasfinishedhefelt
drained beyond description. He closed his eyes, swaying, his sword dropped
fromhisnervelessfingersandhesanktohisknees.Hewasbeyondexhaustion.
Itwasasthoughhe had used a whole week’senergyina few moments. Even
kneelingwasanefforthewasnotsurehecouldsustainforlong,andifhefellhe
wasnotsurehecouldevergetupagain.
But then he felt strong hands taking him under the arms, and felt himself
beinglifted.Thenoiseofthecrowdgrewevenlouderashewashoistedintothe
air.Heopenedhiseyes—bleary,blurrycolourflashedinfrontofhimashewas
turned around. His head rang with the sound. He was up on someone’s
shoulders. A shaved head. Gorst. The big man had lifted him up, as a father
mightlifthischild,displayinghimtothecrowd,smilingupathimwithabig,
uglygrin.Jezalsmiledbackdespitehimself.Itwasastrangemoment,allinall.
“Lutharwins!”criedtherefereepointlessly,barelyaudible.“Lutharwins!”
The cheering had resolved itself into a steady chant of “Luthar! Luthar!
Luthar!”The arenashookwith it.Jezal’sheadswam withit.It waslikebeing
drunk.Drunkonvictory.Drunkonyourself.
Gorst lowered him back to the circle as the cheering of the crowd began to
fade. “You beat me,” he said, smiling wide. His voice was strangely high and
soft, almost like a woman’s. “Fair and square. I’d like to be the first to
congratulateyou.”Andhenoddedhisbigheadandsmiledagain,rubbingatthe
cut under his eye without the slightest bitterness. “You deserve it,” he said,
holdingouthishand.
“Thank you.” Jezal flashed a sour smile and gave the man’s big paw as
cursory a squeeze as possible, then he turned away towards his enclosure. Of
coursehefuckingdeservedit,andhewasdamnedifhewouldletthatbastard
baskinhisreflectedgloryamomentlonger.
“Bravelydone,myboy,bravelydone!”frothedMarshalVaruz,slappinghim
ontheshoulder ashestumbledbackto hischairon wobblylegs.“Iknewyou
coulddoit!”
Westgrinnedas hehanded himthe towel.“They’llbetalkingaboutthisfor
years.”
Otherwell-wisherscrowdedin,offeringtheircongratulations,leaningoverthe
barrier.Awhirlofsmilingfaces,andinamongstthemthefaceofJezal’sfather,
shiningwithpride.“Iknewthatyoucoulddoit,Jezal!Ineverdoubted!Notfor
a minute! You’ve brought honour to our family!” Jezal noticed that his elder
brother didn’t look all that pleased about it, though. He had the usual stodgy,
enviousexpressiononhisface,even atJezal’smomentofvictory.Thestodgy,
enviousbastard.Couldhenotbehappyforhisbrother,ifonlyforoneday?
“MayItoocongratulatethewinner?”cameavoicefromoverhisshoulder.It
was that old idiot, the one from the gate, the one whom Sulfur had called his
master.TheonewhohadusedthenameBayaz.Hehadsweatonhisbaldskull,a
lotofit.Hisfacewaspale,hiseyessunken.Almostasifhehadjustdoneseven
toucheswithGorst.“Welldoneindeed,myyoungfriend,analmost…magical
performance.”
“Thankyou,”mutteredJezal.Hewasnotatallsurewhothisoldmanwas,or
what he was after, but he did not trust him in the least. “I am sorry though, I
must—”
“Of course. We will talk later.” He said it with a disturbing finality, as if it
wereathingalreadyarranged.Thenheturnedawayandvanishedsmoothlyinto
the crowds. Jezal’s father stared after him, ashen-faced now, as though he had
seenaghost.
“Doyouknowhim,father?”
“Jezal!” Varuz grabbed his arm excitedly. “Come! The King wishes to
congratulateyou!”HedraggedJezalfromhisfamilyandtowardsthecircle.A
scatteringofapplauseroseupagainastheywalkedtogetheracrossthedrygrass,
thesceneof Jezal’svictory.TheLordMarshalslungafatherlyarmaroundhis
shoulder,and smiled up atthecrowdsas though the applausewasall for him.
Everyonewantedapieceofhisglory,itseemed,butJezalwasabletoshakethe
oldmanoffashemountedthestepsoftheroyalbox.
PrinceRaynault,youngestsonoftheKing,wasfirstinline,humblydressed,
honestandthoughtful-seeming,scarcelylookinglikeroyaltyatall.“Welldone!”
he shouted over the roar of the crowd, sounding truly delighted for Jezal’s
victory.“Welldoneindeed!”Hisolderbrotherwasmoreexuberant.
“Incredible!” shouted Crown Prince Ladisla, the sunlight glinting off the
goldenbuttonsonhiswhitejacket.“Capital!Amazing!Spectacular!Ineversaw
suchathing!” Jezal grinned and bowedhumblyashe went past, hunching his
shouldersastheCrownPrinceslappedhimsomewhattoohardontheback.“I
alwaysknewyou’ddoit!Youwerealwaysmyman!”
ThePrincessTerez,onlydaughteroftheGrandDukeOrsoofTalins,watched
Jezalpasswithatiny,disdainfulsmile,tappingtwolanguidfingersagainsther
palm in a quarter-hearted imitation of clapping. Her chin was raised painfully
high,asthoughjusttobelookedatbyherwasanhonourhecouldneverfully
appreciate,andcertainlydidnotdeserve.
AndsohecameatlasttothehighseatofGuslavthefifth,HighKingofthe
Union. His head was slumped sideways, squashed down under the sparkling
crown. His pasty pale fingers twitched on his crimson silk mantle like white
slugs. His eyes were closed, chest rising and falling gently, accompanied by
gentle splutterings as spittle issued from his slack lips and ran down his chin,
joiningthesweatonhisbulgingjowlsandhelpingittoturnhishighcollardark
withwet.
Truly,Jezalwasinthepresenceofgreatness.
“YourMajesty,”murmuredLordHoff.Theheadofstatedidnotrespond.His
wifetheQueenlookedon,painfullyerect,afixed,emotionlesssmileplastered
acrossherwell-powderedface.
Jezal hardly knew where to look, and settled on his dusty shoes. The Lord
Chamberlaincoughedloudly.Amuscletwitchedbeneaththesweatyfaton the
sideoftheKing’sface,buthedidnotwake.Hoffwinced,and,glancingaround
to make sure no one was watching too closely, jabbed the royal ribs with his
finger.
The King jumped, eyelids suddenly flicking wide open, heavy jowls
wobbling,staringatJezalwithwild,bloodshot,red-rimmedeyes.
“YourMajesty,thisisCaptain…”
“Raynault!”exclaimedtheKing,“myson!”
Jezalswallowednervously,doinghisbesttomaintainarigidsmileofhisown.
Thesenileoldfoolhadmistakenhimforhisyoungerson.Worseyet,thePrince
himself was standing not four paces away. The Queen’s wooden grin twitched
slightly.Princess Terez’ perfectlipstwistedwithscorn.TheLord Chamberlain
gaveanawkwardcough.“Er,no,yourMajesty,thisis…”
But it was too late. Without any warning, the monarch struggled to his feet
and folded Jezal in an enthusiastic embrace, his heavy crown slipping over to
onesideofhisheadandoneofitsjewel-encrustedprongsnearlypokingJezalin
theeye.LordHoffsjawopenedsilently.ThetwoPrincesgoggled.Jezalcould
onlymanageahelplessgurgle.
“Myson!”blubberedtheKing,hisvoicechokedwithemotion.“Raynault,I’m
so glad you’re back! When I am gone, Ladisla will need your help. He is so
weak,andthecrownissuchaheavyweight!Youwerealwaysthebettersuited
forit!Suchaheavyweight!”hesobbedintoJezal’sshoulder.
Itwaslikeahideousnightmare.LadislaandtherealRaynaultgawpedateach
other,thenbackattheirfather,bothlookingsick.Terezwassneeringdownher
nose at her prospective father-in-law with undisguised contempt. From bad to
much, much worse. What the hell did one do in such a situation? Could there
possiblybeanyetiquettedevisedforthis?JezalpattedhisKingawkwardlyon
hisfatback.Whatelsecouldhedo?Shovethesenileoldidiotoveronhisarse,
withhalfofhissubjectslookingon?Hewasalmosttemptedtodoit.
Itwasa small mercythatthecrowds took the King’s embrace foraringing
endorsementofJezal’sfencingabilities,anddrownedouthiswordswithafresh
wave of cheering. No one beyond the royal box heard what he said. They all
missedthefullsignificanceofwhatwas,withoutdoubt,themostembarrassing
momentofJezal’slife.
TheIdealAudience
ArchLectorSultwasstandingbyhishugewindowwhenGloktaarrived,tall
andimposingasalwaysinhisspotlesswhitecoat,gazingoutacrossthespiresof
theUniversitytowardstheHouseoftheMaker.Apleasantbreezewaswashing
throughthegreatcircularroom,rufflingtheoldman’sshockofwhitehairand
makingthemanypapersonhisenormousdeskcrackleandflutter.
He turned as Glokta shuffled into the room. “Inquisitor,” he said simply,
holdingouthiswhiteglovedhand,thegreatstoneonhisringofofficecatching
thebrightsunlightfromtheopenwindowandglitteringwithpurplefire.
“Iserveandobey,yourEminence.”Gloktatookthehandinhis,andgrimaced
ashebent downtokissthering,hiscanetremblingwiththeeffortof keeping
upright.Damnitiftheoldbastarddoesn’tholdhishandalittlelowereverytime,
justtowatchmesweat.
Sult poured himself into his tall chair in one smooth motion,elbows on the
tabletop,fingerspressedtogetherbeforehim.Gloktacouldonlystandandwait,
hislegburningfromthefamiliarclimbthroughtheHouseofQuestions,sweat
ticklinghisscalp,andwaitfortheinvitationtosit.
“Please be seated,” murmured the Arch Lector, then waited while Glokta
wincedhiswayintooneofthelesserchairsattheroundtable.“Nowtellme,has
yourinvestigationmetwithanysuccess?”
“Some. There was a disturbance at our visitors’ chambers the other night.
Theyclaimthat—”
“Plainly an attempt to add credence to this outrageous story. Magic!” Sult
snortedhisdisdain.“Haveyoudiscoveredhowthebreachinthewallwasreally
made?”
Magic,perhaps?“Iamafraidnot,ArchLector.”
“That is unfortunate. Some proof of how this particular trick was managed
mightbeofusetous.Still,”andSultsighedasthoughhehadexpectednobetter,
“onecannothaveeverything.Didyouspeaktothese…people?”
“Idid.Bayaz,ifImayusethename,isamostslipperytalker.Withouttheaid
ofanythingmorepersuasivethanthequestionsthemselves,Icouldgetnothing
fromhim.HisfriendtheNorthmanalsobearssomestudy.”
One crease formed across Sult’s smooth forehead. “You suspect some
connectionwiththissavageBethod?”
“Possibly.”
“Possibly?” echoed the Arch Lector sourly, as though the very word was
poison.“Whatelse?”
“Therehasbeenanewadditiontothemerryband.”
“Iknow.TheNavigator.”
WhydoIevenbother?“Yes,yourEminence,aNavigator.”
“Good luck to them. Those penny-pinching fortune-tellers are always more
troublethanthey’reworth.BlubberingonaboutGodandwhathaveyou.Greedy
savages.”
“Absolutely.Moretroublethanthey’reworth,ArchLector,thoughitwouldbe
interestingtoknowwhytheyhaveemployedone.”
“Andwhyhavethey?”
Gloktapausedforamoment.“Idon’tknow.”
“Huh,”snortedSult.“Whatelse?”
“Followingtheirnight-timevisitation,ourfriendswererelocatedtoasuiteof
rooms beside the park. There was a most grisly death a few nights ago, not
twentypacesfromtheirwindows.”
“Superior Goyle mentioned this. He said it was nothing to concern myself
about, that there was no connection with our visitors. I left the matter in his
hands.”HefrownedatGlokta.“DidImakethewrongdecision?”
Oh dear me, I need not think too long over this one. “Absolutely not, Arch
Lector.”Gloktabowedhisheadindeeprespect.“IftheSuperiorissatisfied,then
soamI.”
“Hmm.Sowhatyouaretellingmeisthat,allinall,wehavenothing.”
Not quite nothing. “There is this.” Glokta fished the ancient scroll from his
coatpocketandhelditout.
Sulthadalookofmildcuriosityonhisfaceashetookitandunrolleditonthe
table,stareddownatthemeaninglesssymbols.“Whatisit?”
Hah.Soyoudon’tknoweverything.“Isupposeyoucouldsaythatit’sapiece
ofhistory.AnaccountofhowBayazdefeatedtheMasterMaker.”
“Apieceofhistory.”Sulttappedhisfingerthoughtfullyonthetabletop.“And
howdoesithelpus?”Howdoesithelpyou,youmean?
“Accordingtothis,itwasourfriendBayazwhosealeduptheHouseofthe
Maker.”Gloktanoddedtowardstheloomingshapebeyondthewindow.“Sealed
itup…andtookthekey.”
“Key?Thattowerhasalwaysbeensealed.Always.AsfarasIamawarethere
isnotevenakeyhole.”
“Thosewerepreciselymythoughts,yourEminence.”
“Hmm.”Slowly,Sultbegantosmile.“Storiesareallinhowyoutellthem,eh?
Our friend Bayaz knows that well enough, I dare say. He would use our own
stories against us, but now we switch cups with him. I enjoy the irony.” He
pickedupthescrollagain.“Isitauthentic?”
“Doesitmatter?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Sultrosegracefullyfromhischairandpacedslowlyoverto
thewindow, tappingthe rolled-upscroll againsthis fingers.He stoodthere for
sometime,staringout.Whenheturned,hehaddevelopedalookofthedeepest
self-satisfaction.
“Itoccurstomethattherewillbeafeasttomorrowevening,acelebrationfor
ournewchampionswordsman,CaptainLuthar.”Thatcheatinglittleworm.“The
greatandthegoodwillbeinattendance:theQueen,bothPrinces,mostofthe
ClosedCouncil, several leadingnoblemen.”Not forgetting theKinghimself. It
has come to something when his presence at dinner is not even worth
mentioning. “That would be the ideal audience for our little unmasking, don’t
youthink?”
Glokta cautiously bowed his head. “Of course, Arch Lector. The ideal
audience.”Providingitworks.Itmightbean embarrassingaudience tofail in
frontof.
ButSultwasalreadyanticipatinghistriumph.“Theperfectgathering,andjust
enough time to make the necessary arrangements. Send a messenger to our
friendtheFirstoftheMagi,andlethimknowthatheand hiscompanions are
cordially invited to a dinner tomorrow evening. I trust that you will attend
yourself?”
Me?Gloktabowedagain.“Iwouldnotmissitforanything,yourEminence.”
“Good. Bring your Practicals with you. Our friends might become violent
whentheyrealisethegameisup.Barbariansofthissort,whocantellwhatthey
mightbecapableof?”AbarelyperceptiblemotionoftheArchLectorsgloved
handindicatedthattheinterviewwasfinished.Allthosestairs,justforthis?
Sult was looking down his nose at the scroll as Glokta finally reached the
threshold. “The ideal audience,” he was muttering, as the heavy doors clicked
shut.
IntheNorth,achieftain’sownCarlsatewithhimeverynightinhishall.The
women brought the food in wooden bowls. You’d stab the lumps of meat out
withaknifeandwithaknifeyou’dcutthemup,thenyou’dstuffthebitsinyour
mouthwithyourfingers.Ifyoufoundsomeboneorgristleyou’dtossitdownon
thestrawforthedogs.Thetable,iftherewasone,wasafewslabsofill-fitting
wood,stainedandgougedandscarredfromhavingknivesstuckinit.TheCarls
satonlongbenches,withmaybeachairortwofortheNamedMen.It’dbedark,
especiallyinthelongwinters,andsmokyfromthefire-pitandthechaggapipes.
There’d often be singing of songs, usually shouting of good-natured insults,
sometimesscreamingofbad-naturedones,andalwaysalotofdrink.Theonly
rulewasthatyouwaitedforthechieftobegin.
Logenhadnoideawhattherulesmightbehere,butheguessedtherewerea
lot.
The guests were sat round three long tables set out in a horseshoe, sixty
peopleor more.Everyonehad theirownchair, andthedark woodofthe table
tops was polished to a high sheen, made bright enough for Logen to see the
blurryoutlineofhisfaceinbyhundredsofcandlesscatteredroundthewallsand
downthetables. Every guest had atleastthree blunt knives, and severalother
things scattered about in front of them that Logen had no idea of the use for,
includingabigflatcircleofshinymetal.
There was no shouting and certainly no singing, just a low murmur like a
beehiveaspeoplemutteredbetweenthemselves,leaningtowardseachotherasif
theywereswappingsecrets.Theclotheswerestrangerthanever.Oldmenwore
heavyrobesofblack,redandgold,trimmedwithshiningfur,evenintheheat.
Young men wore tight fitting jackets in bright crimson, green, or blue,
festooned with ropes and knots of gold and silver thread. Women were hung
with chains and rings of glittering gold and flashing jewels, wearing strange
dresses of vivid cloth that were ridiculously loose and billowing in places,
painfullytightinothers,andleftothersstillentirely,distractinglybare.
Eventheservantsweredressedlikelords,prowlingaroundbehindthetables,
leaningforwardsilentlytofillgobletswithsweet,thinwine.Logenhadalready
drunkadealofit,andthebrightroomhadtakenonapleasantglow.
Theproblemwasthelackoffood.Hehadn’teatensincethatmorningandhis
stomach was growling. He’d been eyeing the jars of plants sat on the tables
beforetheguests.Theyhadbrightflowersonthem,anddidn’tlookmuchlike
foodtohim,butthentheyatesomestrangethingsinthiscountry.
Therewasnothingforitbuttotry.Hesnatchedoneofthethingsfromthejar,
alongpiece of greenplantwith ayellowflower on theend.Hetook a nibble
fromthebottomofthestem.Tastelessandwatery,butatleastitwascrunchy.He
tookalargerbiteandmunchedonitwithoutrelish.
“I don’t think they’re meant for eating.” Logen glanced round, surprised to
hear the Northern tongue spoken here, surprised that anyone was speaking to
himatall.Hisneighbour,atall,gauntmanwithasharp,linedface,wasleaning
towards him with an embarrassed smile. Logen recognised him vaguely. He’d
beenattheswordgame—holdingthebladesfortheladfromthegate.
“Ah,”mumbledLogenroundhismouthfulofplant.Thetasteofthestuffgot
worsewithtime.“Sorry,”hesaidoncehehadforceditdownhisthroat,“Idon’t
knowmuchaboutthesethings.”
“Honestly,neitherdoI.Howdidittaste?”
“Likeshit.” Logen heldthehalf-eaten floweruncertainlyin his fingers.The
tiledfloorwasspotlesslyclean.Ithardlyseemedrighttotossthethingunderthe
table.Therewerenodogsanyway,andeveniftherehadbeenhedoubtedthey’d
haveeatenthething.Adogwouldhavehadmoresensethanhim.Hedroppedit
onthemetalplatterandwipedhisfingersonhischest,hopingthatnoonehad
noticed.
“MynameisWest,”saidtheman,offeringhishand,“IcomefromAngland.”
Logengavethehandasqueeze.“Ninefingers.ABrynn,fromwayupnorthof
theHighPlaces.”
“Ninefingers?”Logenwaggledhisstumpathimandthemannodded.“Ah,I
see.”Hesmiledasthoughrememberingsomethingfunny.“Iheardasongonce,
inAngland,aboutanine-fingeredman.Whatwashecallednow?TheBloody-
Nine!Thatwasit!”Logenfelthisgrinslipping.“OneofthoseNorthernsongs,
youknowthekind,allviolence.Hecutoffheadsbythecartload,thisBloody-
Nine, and burned towns, and mixed blood with his beer and whatnot. That
wasn’tyou,wasit?”
Themanwasmakingajoke.Logenlaughednervously.“No,no,Ineverheard
ofhim,”butluckilyWesthadalreadymovedon.
“Tellme,youlooklikeyou’veseensomebattlesinyourtime.”
“I’vebeeninsomescrapes.”Itwaspointlesstodenyit.
“Do you know of this one they call the King of the Northmen? This man
Bethod?”
Logenglancedsideways.“Iknowofhim.”
“Youfoughtagainsthiminthewars?”
Logen grimaced. The sour taste of the plant seemed to be lingering in his
mouth.Hepickeduphisgobletandtookaswallow.“Worse,”hesaidslowlyas
hesetitdown.“Ifoughtforhim.”
Thisonlyseemedtomakethemanmorecuriousthanever.“Thenyouknow
abouthistactics,andhistroops.Hiswayofmakingwar?”Logennodded.“What
canyoutellmeabouthim?”
“Thathe’sa mostcunningand ruthlessopponent,with nopityor scruplein
him. Make no mistake, I hate the man, but there’s been no war leader in his
league since the days of Skarling Hoodless. He has that in him which men
respect, or fear, or at least obey. He pushes his men hard, so he can make the
fieldfirstandchoosehisownground,buttheymarchhardforhimbecausehe
bringsthemvictories.He’scautiouswhenhemustbe,andfearlesswhenhemust
be,butneglectsnodetail.Hedelightsineverytrickofwar—insettingtrapsand
ambushes,inmountingfeintsanddeceptions,insendingsuddenraidsagainstthe
unwary. Look for him where you expect him least, and expect him to be
strongestwhereheseemstheweakest.Bewarehimmostofallwhenheseemsto
run.Mostmenfearhim,andthosethatdon’tarefools.”
Logenpickeduptheflowerfromtheplateandstartedsnappingitintopieces.
“Hisarmiesaregroupedaboutthechieftainsoftheclans,someofthemstrong
warleadersintheirownright.MostofhisfightersareThralls,peasantspressed
intoservice,lightlyarmedwithspearorbow,fastmovinginloosegroups.Inthe
pasttheywereill-trained,andtakenfromtheirfarmsforonlyashorttime,but
the wars have been raging for so long that many of them have become hard
fighters,andshowscantmercy.”
Hebegantoarrangethebitsofplant,imaginingtheyweregroupsofmenand
theplateahill.“EachchieftainkeepsCarlsbesides,hisownhouseholdwarriors,
well armed and armoured, skilled with axe and sword and spear, well
disciplined. Some few have horses, but Bethod will keep those out of sight,
waitingfor thebestmoment tochargeor pursue.”Hepulled the yellowpetals
fromtheflower,andtheybecamehorsemenhiddenontheflanks.“Lastthereare
theKnownMen,theNamedMen,thosewarriorswho’veearnedgreatrespectin
battle.TheymightleadgroupsofCarlsonthefield,oractasscoutsorraiders,
sometimesfarintheenemy’srear.”
Herealisedtheplatewascoveredwithamessofbrokenpiecesofplant,and
brushed them hurriedly off onto the table. “That’s the tradition of war in the
North, but Bethod’s always had a fancy for new ideas. He’s read books, and
studiedotherwaysoffighting,andoftentalkedofbuyingflatbows,andheavy
armour,andstrongwar-horsesfromthesoutherntraders,andofmakinganarmy
tobefearedthroughouttheworld.”
Logenbecameawarehehadbeentalkingsolidlyforages.Hehadn’tsaidhalf
thatmanywordstogetherinyears,butWestwasstaringathimwitha lookof
raptattention.“Youspeaklikeamanwhoknowshisbusiness.”
“Well,you’vehappenedupontheonesubjectonwhichImightbereckoned
anexpert.”
“What advice would you give to a man who had to fight a war against
Bethod?”
Logenfrowned.“Becareful.Andwatchyourback.”
Jezalwasnotenjoyinghimself.Atfirst,ofcourse,ithadseemedadelightful
idea, just the thing he had always dreamed of: a celebration in his honour,
attendedbysomanyoftheUnion’sgreatest.Surelyitwasonlythestartofhis
wonderful new life as a champion of the Contest. The great things which
everyonehad predicted,no, promisedfor himwere almostarrived, poisedlike
over-ripefruittodropfromthetreeandintohislap.Promotionsandglorywere
suretofollowclosebehind.PerhapstheywouldmakehimMajortonight,andhe
wouldgotothewarinAnglandascommanderofafullbattalion…
But,strangely,itappearedthatmostoftheguestsweremoreinterestedintheir
ownaffairs.They chattered toeachother aboutgovernmentmatters, about the
business of merchant houses, about issues of land, and title, and politics.
Fencing,andhisremarkableskillatit,werescarcelymentioned.Noimmediate
promotion had been forthcoming. He simply had to sit there, and smile, and
accepttheoddlukewarmcongratulationfromstrangersinsplendidclotheswho
barelyevenlookedhimintheeye.Awaxeffigycouldhavedonethesamejob.
He had to admit, the adulation of the commoners in the arena had been
considerablymoregratifying.Atleasttheyhadsoundedasiftheymeantit.
Still,hehadneverbeforebeenwithinthepalacecompound,afortresswithin
the fortress of the Agriont where few indeed were permitted to tread. Now he
wasseatedatthetoptableintheKing’sowndininghall,thoughJezaldidnot
doubt that his Majesty took the majority of his meals propped up in bed, and
mostlikelyhadthemfedtohimwithaspoon.
Therewasastagesetintothewallatthefarendoftheroom.Jezalhadonce
heard that Ostus, the child King, had jesters perform for him at every meal.
MorlictheMad,bycontrast,hadstagedexecutionstheretogowithhisdinner.
KingCasamir,itwassaid,hadlikenessesofhisworstenemiesshoutinsultsat
him from that stage while he took his breakfast every morning, to keep his
hatredforthemfresh.Thecurtainswereclosednow,though.Jezalwouldhaveto
lookforhisentertainmentelsewhere,andinthisregardthepickingswereslim
indeed.
Marshal Varuz prattled on in his ear. He, at least, was still interested in
fencing.Unfortunately,hetalkedofnothingelse.“Ineversawsuchathing.The
wholecityisbuzzingwithit.Mostremarkableboutthatanyone’severseen!I
swear,you’rebettereventhanSanddanGloktausedtobe,andIneverthought
toseehislikeagain!Ineverdreamedyouhaditinyoutofightlikethat,Jezal,
neverhadtheslightestinkling!”
“Mmm,”saidJezal.
The Crown Prince Ladisla and his bride-to-be, Terez of Talins, made a
dazzlingcoupleatthetopofthetable,justbesidethedozingKing.Theywere
oblivioustoallthatwasgoingonaroundthem,buthardlyinthewaythatone
mighthopeforfromtwoyounglovers.Theywerearguingviciouslyinscarcely
hushedvoices,whiletheirneighboursstudiouslypretendednottosuckinevery
word.
“…wellI’llbegoingtowarsoon,inAngland,soyouneednotsuffermetoo
much longer!” whined Ladisla. “I might be killed! Perhaps that would make
yourHighnesshappy?”
“Praydon’tdieonmyaccount,”returnedTerez,herStyrianaccentdripping
venom,“butifyoumust,youmust.IsupposeIwilllearntobearthesorrow…”
Somebodynearerathand distracted Jezal by thumping on the table. “Damn
thesecommoners!Damnpeasantry’supinarmsinStarikland!Lazydogs,they
refusetoworkastroke!”
“It’sthesetaxes,”grumbledtheman’sneighbour,“thesewartaxeshavethem
allstirredup. Have you heard aboutthisdamn character they calltheTanner?
Somebloodypeasant,preachingrevolution,openasyouplease!Iheardthatone
of the King’s collectors was set on by a mob, not a mile outside the walls of
Keln.OneoftheKing’scollectors,Isay!Byamob!Notamileoutsidethecity
walls—”
“We’ve damn well brought it on ourselves!” The speakers face was out of
sight but Jezal recognised him by the gold-embroidered cuffs on his gown.
Marovia,theHighJustice.“Treatamanlikeadogandsoonerorlaterhe’llbite
you, it’s a simple fact. Our role as governors, and as noblemen, is surely to
respectandprotectthecommonman,ratherthantooppressandscornhim?”
“Iwasn’ttalkingaboutscorn, Lord Marovia, or oppression, just about them
paying what’s due to us as their landlords, and for that matter their natural
betters.”
MarshalVaruz,meanwhile,hadnotletupforaninstant.“Itwasquiteathing,
eh?Thewayyouputhimdown,onesteelagainsttwo!”Theoldsoldierswished
hishandaroundintheair.“Thewholetown’sbuzzing.You’reboundforgreat
thingsnowmyboy,markmywords.Boundforgreatthings.I’llbedamnedif
youdon’thavemyseatontheClosedCounciloneday!”
Itreallywastoomuch.Jezalhadputupwiththemanforallthosemonths.He
hadsomehowimaginedthatifhewonthatwouldbetheendofit,butitseemed
hewouldbe disappointed inthis,as in so muchelse.It was strange,butJezal
hadneverfullyrealisedbeforewhataboringoldimbeciletheLordMarshalwas.
Hewasrealisingnowthough,andnomistake.
Tofurtheraddtohisdismay,therewereseveralpeopleseatedaboutthetables
whowouldmostdefinitelynothavebeenamonghischosenguests.Hesupposed
hecouldmakeadispensationforSult,theArchLectoroftheInquisition,since
hesatontheClosedCouncilandwaswithoutdoubtapowerfulfigure,butJezal
couldnotcomprehendwhyhemighthavebroughtthatbastardGloktawithhim.
The cripple looked even more ill than usual, twitching eyes sunken in dark
circles. For some reason he was occasionally shooting grim and suspicious
glances at Jezal as though he suspected him of some crime or other. It was a
damncheek,whatwithitbeinghisfeastandall.
Evenworse,ontheothersideoftheroomwasthatold,baldman,theonewho
had called himself Bayaz. Jezal had still not got to the bottom of his strange
wordsofcongratulationattheContest—orhisfathersreactiontotheman,for
thatmatter. And he had his hideous friend,thenine-fingeredbarbarian,beside
him.
MajorWesthadthe misfortuneofbeing seatednextto theprimitive,but he
wasmakingthebestofit;indeed,thetwowereengagedinalivelyconversation.
TheNorthmanbrokeintosuddenpealsoflaughterandthumpedthetablewith
hisbigfist,makingtheglassesrattle.Atleasttheywereenjoyingthemselvesat
his party, Jezal thought sourly, but he almost wished he was down there with
them.
Still,heknewthathewantedtobeabig,importantmansomeday.Towear
thingswithalotoffur,andaheavygoldenchainofoffice.Tohavepeoplebow
and scrape and fawn before him. He had made that decision long ago, and he
supposedhestilllikedtheidea.Itwasjustthat,upclose,thewholethingseemed
soawfullyfalseandboring.Hewouldmuch,muchratherhavebeenonhisown
with Ardee, even though he had seen her the night before. There was nothing
boringabouther…
“…the savages are closing on Ostenhorm, that’s what I heard!” someone
shouted over on Jezal’s left. “The Lord Governor, Meed, he’s raising an army
andhassworntoturnthemoutofAngland!”
“Hah.Meed?Thatswollen-headedoldfoolcouldn’tturnapieoutofadish!”
“EnoughtobeattheseNorthernanimalsthough,what?OnegoodUnionman’s
worthtenoftheirkind.
JezalheardTerez’voicecuttingsuddenlyshrillabovethehubbub,almostloud
enoughtobeheardatthefarendoftheroom,“…ofcourseIwillmarrywhere
myfathercommandsme,butIdon’thavetolikeit!”Sheappearedsoviciousat
that moment that he would not have been surprised to see her stab the Crown
Princeinthefacewithherfork.Jezalfeltsomewhatgratifiedtoseethathewas
nottheonlyonewhohadtroublewithwomen.
“…ohyes,aremarkableperformance!Everyone’stalkingaboutit,”Varuzwas
stilldroning.
Jezalsquirmedinhischair.Howlongwasthisbloodybusinessgoingtotake?
Hefeltsuffocated.He glancedacross thefaces againand caughtGlokta’seye,
staring at him with that grim, suspicious look on his wasted face. Jezal still
couldn’tmeetthatgazeforlong,hispartyorno.Whatthehelldidthecripple
haveagainsthimanyhow?
The little bastard. He cheated. Somehow. I know it. Glokta’s eyes tracked
slowlyacrossthetableoppositeuntiltheylightedonBayaz.Theoldfraudwas
sittingthere,quiteathome.Andhehadsomepartinit.Theycheated,together.
Somehow.
“My lords and ladies!” The chatter faded as the Lord Chamberlain rose to
addresstheroom.“Iwouldliketowelcomeyouall,onhisMajesty’sbehalf,to
this humble gathering.” The King himself stirred briefly, gazed vacantly about
him, blinked, then closed his eyes. “We are gathered, of course, in honour of
CaptainJezaldanLuthar,whohasrecentlyaddedhisnametothatmostselect
roll of honour: those swordsman who have been victorious at the summer
Contest.” A few glasses were raised and there were some half-hearted
mumblingsofagreement.
“Irecogniseseveralother winners among the assembly here today, many of
themnowtheholdersofhighoffice:LordMarshalVaruz,CommanderValdisof
the Knights Herald, Major West down there, now on Marshal Burrs staff, of
course. Even I was a winner in my day.” He smiled and looked down at his
bulgingpaunch.“Thoughmydaywassometimeago,ofcourse.”Apoliteripple
oflaughter passed roundtheroom. I notice that I don’t get a mention. Not all
winnersareenviable,eh?
“Victors at the Contest,” continued the Lord Chamberlain, “have so often
goneontogreatthings.Ihope,andindeedweallhope,thatitmayprovesofor
ouryoungfriend,CaptainLuthar.”IhopehemeetsaslowdeathinAngland,the
cheatinglittlebastard.ButGloktaraisedhisglassalongwitheveryoneelseto
toastthearrogantass,whileLutharsatthere,lovingeveryinstantofit.
Andtothink.Isatinthatverychair,beingapplaudedandenviedandclapped
onthe backafterI wontheContest. Differentmenin thebigclothes, different
faces sweating in the heat, but nothing very much has changed. Was my grin
really any less smug? Of course not. If anything I was worse. But at least I
earnedit.
SuchwasLordHoffscommitmentthathedidnotstoptoastinguntilhisgoblet
wasentirelyempty,thenheshoveditbackonthetableandlickedhislips.“And
now,beforethefoodarrives,asmallsurprisehasbeenpreparedbymycolleague
ArchLectorSult,inhonourofanotherofourguests.Ihopeyouwillallfindit
diverting.”AndtheLordChamberlainsatheavilybackdown,holdinghisempty
gobletoutformorewine.
GloktaglancedacrossatSult.Asurprise,fromtheArchLector?Badnewsfor
somebody.
Theheavyredcurtainsofthestagerolledslowlyback.Theyrevealedanold
man lying on the boards, his white garment daubed with colourful blood. A
broad canvas behind depicted a forest scene beneath a starry sky. It reminded
Glokta rather unpleasantly of the mural in the round room. The room beneath
Severard’scrumblingpilebythedocks.
A second old man swept on from the wings: a tall, slender man with
remarkablyfine,sharpfeatures.Hisheadwasshavedbaldandhehadgrowna
shortwhitebeard,butGloktarecognisedhimimmediately.IosivLestek,oneof
the city’s most respected actors. He gave a mannered start as he noticed the
bloodycorpse.
“Oooooooh!”hewailed,spreadinghisarmswideinanactorsapproximation
ofshockand despair.It was atrulyenormousvoice, loud enough tomakethe
rafters shake. Confident that he had the undivided attention of the chamber,
Lestek began to intone his lines, hands sweeping through the air, towering
passionssweepingacrosshisface.
Sohere,atlast,mymasterJuvenslies,
Andwithhisdeathallhopeofpeacenowdies,
ByKanedias’treacheryundone.
Hispassingisthesettingofthesun
Uponanage.
Theoldactorthrewbackhishead,andGloktasawtearssparklinginhiseyes.
Aneattrick,tocryondemandlikethat.Alonelydroptrickledslowlydownhis
cheek,andtheaudiencesatspellbound.Heturnedonceagaintothebody.
Herebrothermurdersbrother.Allslowtime
Canneverhaverecordedsuchacrime.
Ihalfexpecttoseethestarsgoout.
Whydoesthegroundnotopenupandspout
Someragingflame?
Hethrewhimselfdownonhiskneesandbeatuponhisageingbreast.
Ohbitterfate,Iwouldmosthappily
Nowjoinmymaster,butitcannotbe!
Forwhenagreatmandies,wethatremain
Thoughinanarrowedworld,mustbravethepain
Andstruggleonward.
Lesteklookedslowlyuptowardstheaudience,slowlyclamberedtohisfeet,
hisexpressionshiftingfromdeepestsorrowtogrimmestdetermination.
ForthoughtheMakershouseislockedandbarred,
Allcarvedfromrockandsteel,allwondroushard,
IfImustwaituntilthatsteelisrust,
Orwithmybarehandscrushthatrocktodust,
I’llhavemyvengeance!
The actors eyes flashed fire as he flicked out his robe and strode from the
stagetorapturousapplause.Itwasacondensedversionofafamiliarpiece,often
performed. Although rarely so well. Glokta was surprised to find himself
clapping.Quitetheperformancesofar.Nobility,passion,command.Agreatdeal
more convincing than another fake Bayaz I could mention. He sat back in his
chair,easinghisleftlegoutunderthetable,andpreparedtoenjoytheshow.
Logen watched with his face screwed up in confusion. He guessed that this
wasoneofthespectaclesthatBayazhadspokenof,buthisgriponthelanguage
wasn’tgoodenoughtocatchthedetails.
They swept up and down the stage with much sighing and waving of their
hands,dressedinbrightcostumesandspeakinginsomekindofchant.Twoof
themweresupposedtobedark-skinned,hethought,butwereclearlypalemen
with black paint on their faces. In another scene, the one playing Bayaz
whisperedtoawomanthroughadoor,seemingtopleadwithhertoopenit,only
thedoorwasapieceofpaintedwoodstooduponitsowninthemiddleofthe
stage, and the woman was a boy in a dress. It would have been easier, Logen
thought,tosteparoundthepieceofwoodandspeaktohimorherdirectly.
Logen was sure of one thing, though—the real Bayaz was seriously
displeased.Hecouldfeelhisannoyancemountingwitheachscene.Itreacheda
teeth-grindingpeakwhenthevillainofthepiece,abigmanwithagloveandan
eye-patch, pushed the boy in the dress over some wooden battlements. It was
plainthatheorshewasmeanttohavefallenagreatdistance,eventhoughLogen
couldhearhimhitsomethingsoftjustbehindthestage.
“How fucking dare they?” the real Bayaz growled under his breath. Logen
would have got all the way out of the room if he could’ve, but he had to be
content with shuffling his chair towards West, as far from the Magus’ fury as
possible.
Onthestage,theotherBayazwasbattlingtheoldmanwiththegloveandthe
eye-patch, although they fought by walking round in circles and talking a lot.
Finallythevillainfollowedtheboyoffthebackofthestage,butnotbeforehis
adversarytookanenormousgoldenkeyfromhim.
“There’smoredetailherethanintheoriginal,”mutteredtherealBayaz,ashis
counterpart held up the key and spouted some more verse. Logen was little
further on when the performance came to a close, but he caught the last two
lines,justbeforetheoldactorbowedlow:
Prayyourindulgence,atourstory’send,
Ourhumblepurposewasnottooffend.
“My fucking old arse it wasn’t,” hissed Bayaz through gritted teeth, while
fixingagrinandclappingenthusiastically.
GloktawatchedLestektakeafewlastbowsasthecurtainsclosedonhim,the
goldenkeystillshininginhishand.ArchLectorSultrosefromhischairasthe
applausedied.
“I am so glad you enjoyed our little diversion,” he said, smiling smoothly
roundattheappreciativegathering.“Idonotdoubtthatmanyofyouhaveseen
thispiecebefore,butithasaspecialsignificancethisevening.CaptainLutharis
nottheonlycelebratedfigureinourmidst,thereisasecondguestofhonourhere
tonight.Noneotherthanthesubjectofourplay—Bayazhimself,theFirstofthe
Magi!”Sultsmiledandheldouthisarmtowardstheoldfakeontheothersideof
theroom.TherewasagentlerustlingaseveryguestturnedfromtheArchLector
tolookathim.
Bayazsmiledback.“Goodevening,”hesaid.Afewoftheworthieslaughed,
suspecting some further little game perhaps, but Sult did not laugh with them
andtheirmerrimentwasshortlived.Anuneasysilencedescendedonthehall.A
deadlysilence,perhaps.
“TheFirst oftheMagi. Hehas been withus intheAgriont nowforseveral
weeks.Heandafew…companions.”Sultglanceddownhisnoseatthescarred
Northman,andthenbacktotheself-styledMagus.“Bayaz.”Herolledtheword
aroundhismouth,allowingittosinkintohislisteners’ears.“Thefirstletterin
the alphabet of the old tongue. First apprentice of Juvens, first letter of the
alphabet,isthatnotso,MasterBayaz?”
“Why, Arch Lector,” asked the old man, still smirking, “have you been
checkinguponme?”Impressive.Evennow,whenhemustsensethegamewill
soonbeover,hestickstohisrole.
Sultwasunmovedhowever.“Itismydutythoroughlytoinvestigateanyone
whomightposeathreattomyKingorcountry,”heintonedstiffly.
“Howfearsomelypatrioticofyou.YourinvestigationsnodoubtrevealedthatI
amstillamemberoftheClosedCouncil,evenifmychairstandsemptyforthe
timebeing.IbelieveLordBayazwouldbethepropertermofaddress.”
Sult’s cold smile did not slip even a hairs breath. “And when exactly was
yourlastvisit,LordBayaz?Itwouldseemthatsomeonesodeeplyinvolvedin
ourhistorywouldhavetakenmoreofaninterestovertheyears.Why,ifImay
ask, in the centuries since the birth of the Union, since the time of Harod the
Great, have you not been back to visit us?” A good question. I wish it had
occurredtome.
“Oh, but I have been. During the reign of King Morlic the Mad, and in the
civilwarwhichfollowed,IwastutortoayoungmancalledArnault.Later,when
MorlicwasmurderedandArnaultwasraisedtothethronebytheOpenCouncil,
I served as his Lord Chamberlain. I called myself Bialoveld in those days. I
visitedagaininKingCasamirsreign.HecalledmeZoller,andIhadyourjob,
ArchLector.”
Gloktacouldbarelycontainagaspofindignation,andheardothersfromthe
chairs around him. He has no shame, I’ll give him that. Bialoveld, and Zoller,
twooftheUnionsmostrespectedservants.Howdarehe?Andyet…Hepictured
thepaintingofZollerintheArchLectorsstudy,andthestatueofBialoveldin
the Kingsway. Both bald, both stern, both bearded… but what am I thinking?
Major West is thinning out on top. Does that make him a legendary wizard?
Mostlikelythischarlatanmerelypickedthetwobaldestfigureshecouldfind.
Sult,meanwhile,wastryingadifferenttack.“Tellmethis,then,Bayaz:itisa
story well known that Harod himself doubted you when you first came to his
hall,allthoselongyearsago.Asproofofyourpower,youbrokehislongtable
intwo.Itmaybethattherearesomescepticsamongusheretonight.Wouldyou
considersuchademonstrationforus,now?”
The colder Sult’s tone became, the less the old fraud seemed to care. He
dismissedthislatesteffortwithalazywaveofhishand.“Whatyouspeakofis
notjuggling,ArchLector,orplayingonthestage.Therearealwaysdangers,and
costs.Besides,itwouldbeagreatshametospoilCaptainLutharsfeastsimply
so I could show off, don’t you think? Not to mention the waste of a fine old
pieceoffurniture.I,unlikesomanyothersthesedays,haveahealthyrespectfor
thepast.”
Someweresmilinguncertainlyastheywatchedthetwooldmenfencingwith
each other, perhaps still suspecting an elaborate joke. Others knew better and
were frowning hard, trying to work out what was going on, and who had the
upper hand. High Justice Marovia, Glokta noticed, looked to be thoroughly
enjoying himself. Almost as if he knows something we don’t. Glokta shifted
uncomfortablyinhischair,eyesfixedonthebaldactor.Thingsarenotgoingas
wellastheyshouldbe.Whenwillhebegintosweat?When?
SomeoneplacedabowlofsteamingsoupinfrontofLogen.Nodoubtitwas
meanttobeeaten,butnowhisappetitewasgone.Logenmightbenocourtier,
but he could spot folk working up to violence when he saw them. With each
exchange between the two old men their smiles slipped further, their voices
becameharder,thehallseemedtogrowcloserandmoreoppressive.Everyonein
theroomwaslookingworriednow—West,theproudladwho’dwonthatsword
game because of Bayaz’ cheating, the feverish cripple who’d asked all the
questions…
Logenfeltthehairsonhisneckrising.Thereweretwofigureslurkinginthe
nearestdoorway.Black-clothedfigures,black-masked.Hiseyesflickedacrossto
theotherentrances.Eachheldtwoofthosemaskedfigures,twoatleast,andhe
didn’treckontheywereheretocollecttheplates.
Theywerehereforhim.ForhimandBayaz,hecouldfeelit.Amandoesn’t
putonamaskunlesshe’sgotsomedarkworkinmind.Therewasnowaythathe
coulddealwithhalfthatmany,butheslidaknifefrombesidehisplateandhidit
behind his arm anyway. If they tried to take him, he’d fight. That didn’t need
thinkingabout.
Bayazwasstarting to sound angry. “I havesuppliedyou with all the proofs
you’veaskedfor,ArchLector!”
“Proofs!”ThetallmantheycalledSultgaveacoldsneer.“Youdealinwords
and dusty papers! More the business of a snivelling clerk than the stuff of
legend!SomewouldsaythataMaguswithoutmagicissimplyameddlingold
man! We are at war, and can take no chances! You mentioned Arch Lector
Zoller. Hisdiligence inthecause oftruthis welldocumented.You,Iam sure,
mustunderstandmine.”Heleanedforward,plantinghisfistsfirmlyonthetable
beforehim.“Showusmagic,Bayaz,orshowusthekey!”
Logenswallowed.Hedidn’tlikethewaythatthingsweregoing,butthenhe
didn’tunderstandtherulesofthisgame.HehadputhistrustinBayaz,forsome
reason,andthereitwouldhavetostay.Itwasalittlelatetobechangingsides.
“Haveyounothingleftto say?” demanded Sult. He slowly lowered himself
intohischair,smilingoncemore.HiseyesslidovertothearchwaysandLogen
feltthemaskedfiguresmovingforward,strainingtobereleased.“Haveyouno
morewords?Haveyounomoretricks?”
“Onlyone.”Bayazreachedintohiscollar.Hetookholdofsomethingthere,
and drew it out—a long, thin chain. One of the black-masked figures stepped
forward a pace, expecting a weapon, and Logen’s hand gripped tighter on the
handleoftheknife,butwhenthechaincameallthewayouttherewasonlyarod
ofdarkmetaldanglingontheendofit.
“Thekey,”saidBayaz,holdingituptothecandlelight.Itbarelyshoneatall.
“Lesslustrethantheoneinyourplay,perhaps,buttherealthing,Iassureyou.
Kanediasneverworkedwithgold.Hedidnotlikeprettythings.Helikedthings
thatworked.”
TheArchLectorslipcurled.“Doyousimplyexpectustotakeyourwordfor
it?”
“Ofcoursenot.Itisyourjobtobesuspiciousofeveryone,andImustsayyou
do it exceptionally well. It does grow rather late however, so I will wait until
tomorrowmorningtoopentheHouseoftheMaker.”Someonedroppedaspoon
on the floor, and it clattered against the tiles. “There will need to be some
witnessespresent, of course, tomakesurethat I don’ttry anysleightof hand.
Howabout…”Bayaz’coolgreeneyessweptdownthetable.“InquisitorGlokta,
and…yournewfencingchampion,CaptainLuthar?”
Thecripplefrownedashewasnamed.Lutharlookedutterlybewildered.The
ArchLectorsat,hisscornswappedforastonyblankness.HegazedfromBayaz’
smilingfacetothatgentlyswingingrodofdarkmetal,thenbackagain.Hiseyes
movedovertooneofthedoorways,andhegiveatinyshakeofhishead.The
dark figures faded back into the shadows. Logen unclenched his aching teeth,
thenquietlyslippedtheknifebackontothetable.
Bayazgrinned.“Dearme,MasterSult,youreallyareahardmantoplease.”
“I believe your Eminence is the proper term of address,” hissed the Arch
Lector.
“So it is, so it is. I do declare, you really won’t be happy until I’ve broken
some furniture. I would hate to spill everyone’s soup though, so…” With a
suddenbang,theArchLectorschaircollapsed.Hishandshotoutandgrabbedat
thetableclothasheplungedtothefloorinaclatteringmessofloosefirewood,
andsprawledinthewreckagewithagroan.TheKingstartedawake,hisguests
blinked,andgasped,andstared.Bayazignoredthem.
“Thisreallyisanexcellentsoup,”hesaid,slurpingnoisilyfromhisspoon.
TheHouseoftheMaker
Itwasastormyday,andtheHouseoftheMakerstoodstarkandgrim,ahuge
dark shape against the ragged clouds. A cold wind whipped between the
buildings and through the squares of the Agriont, making the tails of Glokta’s
blackcoatflaparoundhimasheshuffledafterCaptainLutharandthewould-be
Magus,thescarredNorthmanathisside.Heknewtheywerewatched.Watched
the whole way. Behind the windows, in the doorways, on the roofs. The
Practicalswereeverywhere,hecouldfeeltheireyes.
Gloktahadhalfexpected,halfhoped,thatBayazandhiscompanionswould
have disappeared in the night, but they had not. The bald old man seemed as
relaxedasifhehadundertakentoopenafruitcellar,andGloktadidnotlikeit.
Whendoesthebluffend?Whendoeshethrowhishandsupandadmitit’salla
game? When we reach the University? When we cross the bridge? When we
standbeforetheverygateoftheMakersHouseandhiskeydoesnotfit?But
somewhereinthebackofhismindthethoughtlurked:Whatifitdoesnotend?
Whatifthedooropens?Whatifhetrulyisasheclaimstobe?
BayazchatteredtoLutharastheystrolledacrosstheemptycourtyardtowards
the University. Every bit as much at ease as a grandfather with his favourite
grandson,andeverybitasboring.“…ofcourse,thecityissomuchlargerthan
whenIlastvisited.ThatdistrictyoucalltheThreeFarms,allteemingbustleand
activity. I remember when that whole borough was three farms! Indeed I do!
Andfarbeyondthecitywalls!”
“Erm…”saidLuthar.
“AndasfortheSpicers’newguildhall,Ineversawsuchostentation…”
Glokta’smindracedashelimpedafterthetwoofthem,trawlingforhidden
meanings in the sea of blather, grasping for order in the chaos. The questions
tumbledovereach other.Why pick me as a witness? Why not the Arch Lector
himself?DoesthisBayazsupposethatIcanbeeasilyfooled?AndwhyLuthar?
BecausehewontheContest?Andhowdidhewin?Isheapartofthisdeception?
ButifLutharwaspartytosomesinisterplan,hewasgivingnosign.Gloktahad
never seen the slightest hint that he was anything other than the self-obsessed
youngfoolheappearedtobe.
And then we come to this puzzle. Glokta glanced sidelong at the big
Northman.Therewerenosignsofdeadlyintentonhisscarredface, littlesign
thatanythingwasgoingoninthereatall.Isheverystupidorveryclever?Ishe
to be ignored, or feared? Is he the servant, or the master? There were no
answerstoanyofit.Yet.
“Well, this place is a shadow of its former self,” said Bayaz as they halted
outside the door to the University, raising an eyebrow at the grimy, tilting
statues. He rapped briskly on the weathered wood and the door swayed on its
hinges.ToGlokta’ssurprise,itopenedalmostimmediately.
“You’reexpected,”croakedtheancientporter.Theysteppedaroundhiminto
thegloom.“Iwillshowyouto—”begantheoldmanashewrestledthecreaking
doorshut.
“Noneed,”calledBayazoverhisshoulder,alreadystridingbrisklyoffdown
the dusty corridor, “I know the way!” Glokta struggled to keep up, sweating
despitethecoldweather,legburningalltheway.Theeffortofmaintainingthe
pace scarcely gave him time to consider how the bald bastard might be so
familiar with the building. But familiar he certainly is. He swept down the
corridorsasthoughhehadspenteverydayofhislifethere,clickinghistongue
indisgustatthestateoftheplaceandprattlingallthewhile.
“…I’veneverseensuchdust,eh,CaptainLuthar?Iwouldn’tbesurprisedif
the damn place hadn’t been cleaned since I was last here! I’ve no idea how a
mancan thinkundersuch conditions!Noidea at all…”Centuries ofdeadand
justly forgotten Adepti stared gloomily down from their canvases, as though
upsetbyallthenoise.
The corridors of the University rolled past, an ancient, dusty, forsaken-
seemingplace,withnothinginitbutgrimyoldpaintingsandmustyoldbooks.
Jezalhadpreciouslittleuseforbooks.
Hehadreadafewaboutfencingandriding,acoupleaboutfamousmilitary
campaigns,onceopenedthecoversonagreatbighistoryoftheUnionhefound
inhisfathersstudy,andgotboredafterthreeorfourpages.
Bayazdronedon.“HerewefoughtwiththeMakersservants.Irememberit
well. They cried out to Kanedias to save them, but he would not come down.
Thesehallsranwithblood,rangwithscreams,rolledwithsmokethatday.”
Jezalhadnoideawhytheoldfoolwouldsinglehimouttotellhistallstories
to,andstilllesshowtoreply.“Thatsounds…violent.”
Bayaznodded.“Itwas.Iamnotproudofit.Butgoodmenmustsometimesdo
violentthings.”
“Uh,”saidtheNorthmansuddenly.Jezalhadnotbeenawarethathewaseven
listening.
“Besides,thatwasadifferentage.Aviolentage.OnlyintheOldEmpirewere
people advanced beyond the primitive. Midderland, the heart of the Union,
believeitornot,wasasty.Awastelandofwarring,barbarictribes.Theluckiest
among them were taken into the Makers service. The rest were painted-face
savages,withoutwriting,withoutscience,withbarelyanythingtoseparatethem
fromthebeasts.”
JezalglancedfurtivelyupatNinefingers.Itwasnotatalldifficulttopicturea
barbaricstatewiththatbigbrutebesidehim,butitwasridiculoustosupposethat
his beautiful home had once been a wasteland, that he was descended from
primitives. This bald old man was a blathering liar, or a madman, but some
importantpeopleseemedtotakehimseriously.
AndJezalthoughtitbestalwaystodowhattheimportantpeoplesaid.
Logen followed the others into a broken-down courtyard, bounded on three
sides by the crumbling buildings of the University, on the fourth by the inner
faceofthesheerwalloftheAgriont.Allwascoveredinoldmoss,thickivy,dry
brambles.Amansatonaricketychairamongtheweeds,watchingthemcome
closer.
“I’vebeenexpectingyou,”hesaid,pushinghimselfupwithsomedifficulty.
“Damnknees, I’mnotwhat I usedto be.” Anunremarkableman pastmiddle-
age,inathreadbareshirtwithstainsdownthefront.
Bayazfrownedathim.“YouaretheChiefWarden?”
“Iam.”
“Andwherearetherestofyourcompany?”
“Mywifeisgettingthebreakfastready,butnotcountingher,well,Iamthe
wholecompany.It’seggs,”hesaidhappily,pattinghisstomach.
“What?”
“Forbreakfast.Ilikeeggs.”
“Goodforyou,”mutteredBayaz,lookingslightlyputout.“InKingCasamirs
reign,thebravestfiftymenoftheBang’sOwnwereappointedWardensofthe
House,toguardthisgate.Therewasconsideredtobenohigherhonour.”
“That was a long time ago,” said the one and only Warden, plucking at his
dirtyshirt.“TherewerenineofuswhenIwasalad,buttheywentontoother
things,ordied,andwereneverreplaced.Don’tknowwho’lltakeoverwhenI’m
gone.Therehaven’tbeentoomanyapplicants.”
“You surprise me.” Bayaz cleared his throat. “Oh, Chief Warden! I, Bayaz,
FirstoftheMagi,seekyourleavetopassupthestairtothefifthgate,beyondthe
fifthgateandontothebridge,acrossthebridgeandtothedooroftheMakers
House.”
TheChiefWardensquintedback.“Yousure?”
Bayazwasgrowingimpatient.“Yes,why?”
“Irememberthelastfellowwhotriedit,waybackwhenIwasalad.Somebig
man,Ireckon,somethinker.Hewentupthosestepswithtenstrongworkmen,
chiselsandhammersandpicksandwhat-have-you,tellingushowhewasgoing
toopenuptheHouse,bringoutitstreasuresandall.Fiveminutesandtheywere
back,sayingnothing,lookingliketheysawthedeadwalk.”
“Whathappened?”murmuredLuthar.
“Don’tknow,buttheyhadnotreasureswiththem,Icantellyouthat.”
“Withoutdoubtadauntingstory,”saidBayaz,“butwe’regoing.”
“Yourbusiness,Isuppose.”Andtheoldmanturnedandslouchedacrossthe
miserable courtyard. Up a narrow stair they went, the steps worn down in the
middle,uptoatunnelthroughthehighwalloftheAgriont,ontoanarrowgate
inthedarkness.
Logen felt an odd sense of worry as the bolts slid back. He shrugged his
shoulders,tryingtogetridofit,andtheWardengrinnedathim.“Youcanfeelit
already,eh?”
“Feelwhat?”
“TheMakersbreath,theycallit.”Hegavethedoorsthegentlestshove.They
swung open together, light spilling through into the darkness. “The Makers
breath.”
Glokta tottered across the bridge, teeth clenched tight on gums, painfully
awareofthevolumeofemptyairbeneathhisfeet.Itwasasingle,delicatearch,
leaping from high up on the wall of the Agriont to the gate of the Makers
House.Hehadoftenadmireditfromdowninthecity,ontheothersideofthe
lake,wonderinghowithadstayedupalltheseyears.Aspectacular,remarkable,
beautifulthing.Itdoesnotseemsobeautifulnow.Notmuchwiderthanaman
lying down, too narrow by far for comfort, and with a terrifying drop to the
waterbelow.Worsestill,ithadnoparapet.Notsomuchasawoodenhandrail.
Andthebreezeisratherfreshtoday.
LutharandNinefingersseemedworriedenoughbyit.Andtheyhavethefree
and painless use of both their legs. Only Bayaz made the long trip across
withoutapparentworry,asconfidentasifhisfeetwereonacountrylane.
TheywalkedalwaysinthevastshadowoftheHouseoftheMaker,ofcourse.
Theclosertheycame,themoremassiveitseemed,itslowestparapetfarhigher
thanthewalloftheAgriont.Astarkblackmountain,risingsheerfromthelake
below, blotting out the sun. A thing from a different age, built on a different
scale.
Gloktaglancedbacktowardsthegatebehindhim.Didhecatchaglimpseof
something between the battlements on the wall above? A Practical watching?
Theywouldseetheoldmanfailtoopenthedoor.Theywouldbewaitingtotake
him on their way back through. But until then, I am helpless. It was not a
comfortingthought.
AndGloktawasinneedofcomfort.Ashetotteredfurtheracrossthebridge,a
niggling fear swelled inside him. It was more than the height, more than the
strangecompany,morethanthegreattowerloomingabove.Abasefear,without
reason.Theanimalterrorofanightmare.Witheveryshufflingstepthefeeling
grew.Hecouldseethedoornow,asquareofdarkmetalsetbackintothesmooth
stonesofthetower.Acircleofletterswasetchedintothecentreofit.Forsome
reason they made Glokta want to vomit, but he dragged himself closer. Two
circles:largelettersandsmallletters,aspideryscripthedidnotrecognise.His
gutschurned.Manycircles:lettersandlines,toodetailedtotakein.Theyswam
before his stinging, weeping eyes. Glokta could go no further. He stood there,
leaningonhiscane,fightingwitheveryounceofwillagainsttheneedtofallto
hisknees,turnandcrawlaway.
Ninefingerswasfaringlittlebetter,breathinghardthroughhisnose,alookof
the most profound horror and disgust on his face. Luthar was in considerably
worseshape:teethgritted,white-facedandpalsied.Hedroppedslowlydownon
oneknee,gasping,asGloktaedgedpasthim.
Bayazdidnotseemafraid.Hesteppedrightuptothedoorandranhisfingers
overthelargersymbols.“Elevenwards,andelevenwardsreversed.”Hetraced
thecircleofsmallercharacters.“Andeleventimeseleven.”Hisfingerfollowed
thefinelineoutsidethem.Canitbethatlineismadeoftinyletterstoo?“Who
cansayhowmanyhundredshere?Truly,amostpotentenchantment!”
ThesenseofawewasonlyslightlydiminishedbythesoundofLutharpuking
noisily over the side of the bridge. “What does it say?” croaked Glokta,
swallowingsomebileofhisown.
The old man grinned at him. “Can you not feel it, Inquisitor? It says turn
away.Itsaysgetyougone.Itsays…none…shall…pass.Butthemessageisnot
forus.”Hereachedintohiscollarandpulledouttherodofmetal.Thesamedark
metalasthedooritself.
“We shouldn’t be here,” growled Ninefingers from behind. “This place is
dead.Weshouldgo.”ButBayazdidnotseemtohear.
“Themagichasleakedoutoftheworld,”Gloktaheardhimmurmuring,“and
all the achievements of Juvens lie in ruins.” He weighed the key in his hand,
broughtitslowlyupwards.“ButtheMakersworksstandstrong asever.Time
hasnotdiminishedthem…noreverwill.”Theredidnotevenseemtobeahole,
butthekeyslidslowlyintothedoor.Slowly,slowly,intotheverycentreofthe
circles.Gloktaheldhisbreath.
Click.
Andnothinghappened.Thedoordidnotopen.Thatisallthen.Thegameis
over. He felt asurgeof relief as heturnedback towards theAgriont,raising a
handtosignaltothePracticalsonthewallabove.Ineednotgofurther.Ineed
not.Thenanansweringechocamefromdeepwithin.
Click.
Gloktafelthisfacetwitchinsympathywiththesound.DidIimagineit?He
hopedso,withallhisbeing.
Click.
Again.Nomistake.Andnow,beforehisdisbelievingeyes, thecirclesin the
door began to turn. Glokta took a stunned step back, his cane scraping on the
stonesofthebridge.
Click,click.
There had been no sign that the metal was not all one piece, no cracks, no
grooves,nomechanism,andyetthecirclesspan,eachatadifferentspeed.
Click,click,click…
Fasternow,andfaster.Gloktafeltdizzy.Theinnermostring,withthelargest
letters,wasstillcrawling.Theoutermost,thethinnestone,wasflyingroundtoo
fastforhiseyestofollow…click,click,click,click,click…
Shapes formed in the markings as the symbols passed each other: lines,
squares,triangles,unimaginablyintricate,dancingbeforehiseyesthenvanishing
asthewheelsspunon…
Click.
And the circles were still, arranged in a new pattern. Bayaz reached up and
pulled the key from the door. There was a soft hissing, barely audible, as of
waterfar away, and a longcrackappearedin the door.The twohalvesmoved
slowly,smoothlyawayfromeachother.Thespacebetweenthemgrewsteadily
larger.
Click.
Theyslidintothewalls,flushwiththesidesofthesquarearchway.Thedoor
stoodopen.
“Nowthat,”saidBayazsoftly,“iscraftsmanship.”
No fetid wind spilled out, no stench of rot or decay, no sign of long years
passed,onlyawaftofcool,dryair.Andyetthefeelingisofopeningacoffin.
Silence,butforthewindfumblingacrossthedarkstones,thebreathsighingin
Glokta’s dry throat, the distant lapping of the water far below. The unearthly
terrorwasgone.Hefeltonlyadeepworryashestaredintotheopenarchway.
But no worse than when I wait outside the Arch Lectors office. Bayaz turned
round,smiling.
“LongyearshavepassedsinceIsealedthisplace,andinallthatslowtimeno
manhascrossedthethreshold.Youthreearetrulyhonoured.”Gloktadidnotfeel
honoured. He felt ill. “There are dangers within. Touch nothing, and go only
where I lead you. Follow close behind me, for the ways are not always the
same.”
“Notthesame?”askedGlokta.“Howcanthatbe?”
Theoldmanshrugged.“Iamonlythedoorman,”hesaidasheslippedthekey
anditschainbackinsidehisshirt,“notthearchitect.”Andhesteppedintothe
shadows.
Jezaldidnotfeelwell,notwellatall.Itwasnotsimplythevilenauseathat
the letters on the doors had somehow created, it was more. A lurch of sudden
shock and disgust, like picking up a cup and drinking, expecting water, and
findingsomethingelseinside.Pissperhaps,inthiscase.Thatsamewaveofugly
surprise, but stretching out over minutes, over hours. Things that he had
dismissedasfoolishness,oroldstories,weresuddenlyrevealedasfactsbefore
hiseyes.Theworldwasadifferentplacethanithadbeenthedaybefore,aweird
andunsettlingplace,andhehadinfinitelypreferreditthewayitwas.
He could not understand why he had to be here. Jezal knew precious little
abouthistory.Kanedias,Juvens,Bayazeven,theywerenamesfromdustybooks,
heardasachildandholdingnointeresteventhen.Itwasjustbadluck,badluck
was all. He had won the Contest, and here he was, wandering about in some
strangeoldtower.Thatwasallitwas.Astrangeoldtower.
“Welcome,”saidBayaz,“totheHouseoftheMaker.”
Jezallookedupfromthefloorandhisjawsaggedopen.Theword“house”did
littletodescribethevastnessofthedimspaceinwhichhefoundhimself.The
Lords’ Rounditselfcould havefittedcomfortablyinsideit,theentirebuilding,
with room to spare. The walls were made from rough stones, unfinished,
unmortared,piledhaphazardly,butrisingendlesslyupward,upward.Abovethe
centre of the room, far above, something was suspended. A huge, fascinating
something.
It put Jezal in mind of a navigators instruments, rendered on an enormous
scale.Asystemofgiganticmetalrings,shininginthedimlight,oneaboutthe
other, with further, smaller rings running between them, inside them, around
them.Hundredsofthemperhaps,alltold,scoredwithmarkings:writingmaybe,
ormeaninglessscratches.Alargeblackballhunginthecentre.
Bayaz was already walking out into the vast circle of the floor, covered in
intricatelines,setintothedarkstoneinbrightmetal,hisfootfallsechoinghigh
above. Jezal crept after him. There was something frightening, something
dizzying,aboutmovingacrossaspacesohuge.
“ThisisMidderland,”saidBayaz.
“What?”
The old man pointed down. The squiggly lines of metal began to take on
meaning. Coastlines, mountains, rivers, the land and the sea. The shape of
Midderland,clearinJezal’smindfromahundredmaps,waslaidoutbeneathhis
feet.
“The whole Circle of the World.” Bayaz gestured across the endless floor.
“Thatwayis Angland, and beyond, theNorth.Gurkhulis over there. Thereis
Starikland,andtheOldEmpire,andoverheretheCityStatesofStyria,beyond
themSuljukanddistantThond.Kanediasobservedthatthelandsoftheknown
Worldformacircle,withitscentrehere,athisHouse,anditsouteredgepassing
throughtheislandofShabulyan,fartothewest,beyondtheOldEmpire.”
“TheedgeoftheWorld,”mutteredtheNorthman,noddingslowlytohimself.
“Some arrogance,” snorted Glokta, “to think of your home as the centre of
everything.”
“Huh.”Bayazlookedabouthimatthevastnessofthechamber.“TheMaker
wasnevershortonarrogance.Norwerehisbrothers.”
Jezal stared up gormlessly. The room was even higher than it was wide, its
ceiling,iftherewasone,lostinshadow.Anironrailranroundtheroughstone
walls,agalleryperhapstwentystridesabove.Beyondit,higherstill,therewas
another, and another, and another, vague in the half light. Over all hung the
strangedevice.
Hegaveasuddenstart.Itwasmoving!Itwasallmoving!Slowly,smoothly,
silently, the rings shifted, turned, revolved one about the other. He could not
imaginehowitwasdriven.Somehow,thekeyturninginthelockmusthaveset
itoff…orcouldithavebeenturningalltheseyears?
Hefeltdizzy. Thewholemechanismnowseemedto bespinning,revolving,
fasterandfaster,thegalleriestoo,shirtinginoppositedirections.Staringstraight
upwardswasnothelpingwithhissenseofdisorientation,andhefixedhisaching
eyesonthefloor,onthemapofMidderlandbeneathhisfeet.Hegasped.That
wasevenworse!Nowthewholefloorseemedtobeturning!Theentirechamber
wasrevolvingaroundhim!Thearchwaysleadingoutwereallidentical,adozen
ofthemormore.Hecouldnotguessnowthroughwhichonetheyhadentered.
Hefeltawaveofhorriblepanic.Onlythatdistantblackorbinthecentreofthe
devicewasstill.Hefixedhiswateringeyesdesperatelyonthat,forcedhimselfto
breatheslow.
Thefeeling faded.Thevast hallwasstill again,almost.The ringswerestill
shifting,almostimperceptibly,inchingeveronwards.Heswallowedamouthful
ofspit,hunchedhisshoulders,andhurriedaftertheotherswithhisheaddown.
“Not that way!” roared Bayaz suddenly, his voice exploding in the thick
silence, ripping out and bouncing back, echoing a thousand times around the
cavernousspace.
“Notthatway!”
“Notthatway!”
Jezal jumped backwards. The archway, and the dim hall beyond, looked
identicaltotheonedownwhichtheothershadbeenwalking,buthesawnow
thattheywereofftohisright.Hehadgotturnedaroundsomehow.
“GoonlywhereIgo,Isaid!”hissedtheoldman.
“Notthatway.”
“Notthatway.”
“I’m sorry,” stammered Jezal, his voice sounding pitifully small in the vast
space,“Ithought…italllooksthesame!”
Bayazplacedareassuringhandonhisshoulderanddrewhimsmoothlyaway.
“Ididnotmeantoscareyou,myfriend,butitwouldbeagreatshameifoneso
promisingweretakenfromusquitesoyoung.”Jezalswallowedandstaredinto
theshadowyhallway,wonderingwhatmighthaveawaitedhimdownthere.His
mindprovidedanynumberofunpleasantpossibilities.
Theechoesstillwhisperedathimasheturnedaway.“…notthatway,notthat
way,notthatway…”
Logenhatedthisplace.Thestoneswerecoldanddead,theairwasstilland
dead, even the sounds they made as they moved fell muffled and lifeless. It
wasn’t cold and it wasn’t hot, and yet his back trickled with sweat, his neck
prickled with aimless fear. He’d jerk around every few steps, stung by the
suddenfeelinghewasbeingwatched,buttherewasneveranyonebehindhim.
Only the boy Luthar and the cripple Glokta, looking every bit as worried and
confusedashewas.
“Wechasedhimthroughtheseveryhalls,”murmuredBayazquietly.“Eleven
of us. All the Magi, together for the last time. All but Khalul. Zacharus, and
Cawneil, they fought with the Maker here, and each was bested. They were
fortunate to escape with their lives. Anselmi and Brokentooth had worse luck.
Kanediaswasthedeathofthem.Twogoodfriends,twobrothers,Ilostthatday.”
Theyedgedroundanarrowbalcony,litbyapalecurtainoflight.Ononeside
sheerstonesrosesmooth,ontheothertheydroppedawayandwerelostinthe
darkness. A black pit, full of shadows, with no far side, no top, no bottom.
Despitethevastnessofthespacetherewerenoechoes.Noairmoved.Therewas
notthetiniestbreeze.Theairwasstaleandcloseasatomb.
“Thereshouldbewaterdownthere,surely,”mutteredGlokta,frowningover
the rail. “There should be something, shouldn’t there?” He squinted up.
“Where’stheceiling?”
“Thisplacestinks,”whinedLuthar,onehandclaspedoverhisnose.
Logenagreedwithhim, for once. It was a smell he knew well,andhislips
curledbackwithhatredatit.“SmellslikefuckingFlatheads.”
“Ohyes,”saidBayaz,“theShankaaretheMakersworkalso.”
“Hiswork?”
“Indeed.Hetookclay,andmetal,andleft-overfleshandhemadethem.”
Logenstared.“Hemadethem?”
“Tofightinhiswar.Againstus.AgainsttheMagi.AgainsthisbrotherJuvens.
HebredthefirstShankahereandletthemlooseupontheworld—togrow,and
breed,anddestroy.Thatwastheirpurpose.FormanyyearsafterKanedias’death
wehuntedthem,butwecouldnotcatchthemall.Wedrovethemintothedarkest
cornersoftheworld,andtheretheyhavegrownandbredagain,andnowcome
forthtogrow,andbreed,anddestroy,astheywerealwaysmeanttodo.”Logen
gawpedathim.
“Shanka.”Lutharchuckledandshookhishead.
Flatheads were no laughing matter. Logen turned suddenly, blocking the
narrowbalconywithhisbody,loomingoverLutharinthehalflight.“Something
funny?”
“Well,Imean,everyoneknowsthere’snosuchthing.”
“I’ve fought them with my own hands,” growled Logen, “all my life. They
killed my wife, my children, my friends. The North is swarming with fucking
Flatheads.”Heleaneddown.“Sodon’ttellmethere’snosuchthing.”
Lutharhadturnedpale.HelookedtoGloktaforsupport,buttheInquisitorhad
sagged against the wall, rubbing at his leg, thin lips tight shut, hollow face
beadedwithsweat.“Idon’tcareashiteitherway!”hesnapped.
“There’splentyofShankaintheworld,”hissedLogen,stickinghisfaceright
upclosetoLuthars.“Maybeonedayyou’llmeetsome.”Heturnedandstalked
offafterBayaz, already disappearing throughanarchwayat the far end ofthe
balcony.Hehadnowishtobeleftbehindinthisplace.
Yetanotherhall. An enormousone,lined with asilentforest ofcolumnson
eitherside,peopledwithamultitudeofshadows.Lightcutdowninshaftsfrom
farabove,etchingstrangepatternsintothestonefloor,shapesoflightanddark,
linesofblackandwhite.Almostlikewriting.Isthereamessagehere?Forme?
Glokta was trembling. If I looked, just for a moment longer, perhaps I could
understand…
Lutharwanderedpast,hisshadowfellacrossthefloor,thelineswerebroken,
thefeelingwasgone.Gloktashookhimself.Iamlosingmyreasoninthiscursed
place.Imustthinkclearly.Justthefacts,Glokta,onlythefacts.
“Wheredoesthelightcomefrom?”heasked.
Bayazwavedhishand.“Above.”
“Therearewindows?”
“Perhaps.”
Glokta’scanetappedintothelight,tappedintothedark,hisleftbootdragged
alongbehind.“Istherenothingbuthallway?What’sthepointofitall?”
“Who can know the Makers mind?” intoned Bayaz pompously, “or fathom
his great design?” He seemed almost to take pride in never giving straight
answers.
The whole place was a colossal waste of effort as far as Glokta could see.
“Howmanylivedhere?”
“Longyearsago,inhappiertimes,manyhundreds.Allmannerofpeoplewho
served Kanedias, and helped him in his works. But the Maker was ever
distrustful,andjealousofhissecrets.Bitbybitheturnedhisfollowersout,into
the Agriont, the University. Towards the end, only three lived here. Kanedias
himself,hisassistantJaremias,”Bayazpausedforamoment,“andhisdaughter
Tolomei.”
“TheMakersdaughter?”
“Whatofit?”snappedtheoldman.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” And yet the veneer slipped then, if only for an
instant.Itisstrangethatheknowsthewaysofthisplacesowell.“Whendidyou
livehere?”
Bayazfrowneddeep.“Thereissuchathingastoomanyquestions.”
Glokta watched him walk away. Sult was wrong. The Arch Lector, fallible
after all. He underestimated this Bayaz, and it cost him. Who is this bald,
irritablefool,whocanmakeasprawlingidiotofthemostpowerfulmaninthe
Union?Standinghere,deepwithinthebowelsofthisunearthlyplace,theanswer
didnotseemsostrange.
TheFirstoftheMagi.
“Thisisit.”
“What?”askedLogen.Thehallwaystretchedoutineitherdirection,curving
gently,disappearingintothedarkness,wallsofhugestoneblocks,unbrokenon
eitherside.
Bayaz did not answer. He was running his hands gently over the stones,
lookingforsomething.“Yes.Thisisit.”Bayazpulledthekeyoutfromhisshirt.
“Youmightwanttoprepareyourselves.”
“Forwhat?”
TheMagusslidthekeyintoanunseenhole.Oneoftheblocksthatmadeup
thewallssuddenlyvanished,flyingupintotheceilingwithathunderouscrash.
Logen reeled, shaking his head. He saw Luthar bent forward, hands clamped
overhisears.Thewholecorridorseemedtohumwithcrashingechoes,onand
on.
“Wait,”saidBayaz,thoughLogencouldbarelyhearhimovertheringingin
his head. “Touch nothing. Go nowhere.” He stepped through the opening,
leavingthekeylodgedinthewall.
Logenpeeredafterhim.Aglimmeroflightshonedownanarrowpassageway,
a rushing sound washed through like the trickling of a stream. Logen felt a
strange curiosity picking at him. He glanced back at the other two. Perhaps
Bayazhadmeantonlyforthemtostay?Heduckedthroughthedoorway.
Andsquintedupatabright,roundchamber.Lightfloodedinfromhighabove,
piercing light, almost painful to look at after the gloom of all the rest. The
curving walls were perfect, clean white stone, running with trickling water,
flowingdownallaroundandcollectinginaroundpoolbelow.Theairwascool,
damp on Logen’s skin. A narrow bridge sprang out from the passage, steps
leadingupwards,endingatatallwhitepillar,risingfromthewater.Bayazwas
standingthere,ontopofit,staringdownatsomething.
LogencreptupbehindtheMagus,breathingshallow.Ablockofwhitestone
stood there. Water dripped onto its smooth, hard centre from above. A regular
tap,tap,tap,alwaysinthesamespot.Twothingslayinthethinlayerofwet.The
firstwasasquarebox,simplymadefromdarkmetal,bigenoughtoholdaman’s
head,maybe.Theotherwasaltogetherstranger.
Aweaponperhaps,likeanaxe.Alongshaft,madefromtinymetaltubes,all
twisted about each other like the stems of old vines. At one end there was a
scoredgrip,attheothertherewasaflatpieceofmetal,piercedwithsmallholes,
a long, thin hook curving out from it. The light played over its many dark
surfaces, glittering with beads of moisture. Strange, beautiful, fascinating. On
thegriponeletterglinted,silverinthedarkmetal.Logenrecogniseditfromhis
sword.ThemarkofKanedias.TheworkoftheMasterMaker.
“Whatisthis?”heasked,reachingoutforit.
“Don’t touch it!” screamed Bayaz, slapping Logen’s hand away. “Did I not
tellyoutowait?”
Logen took an uncertain step back. He had never seen the Magus look so
worried,buthecouldn’tkeephiseyesoffthestrangethingontheslab.“Isita
weapon?”
Bayaz breathed a long, slow breath. “A most terrible one, my friend. A
weaponagainstwhichnosteel,nostone,nomagiccanprotectyou.Donoteven
treadnearit,Iwarnyou.Therearedangers.TheDivider,Kanediascalledit,and
withithekilledhisbrotherJuvens,mymaster.Heoncetoldmeithastwoedges.
Onehere,oneontheOtherSide.”
“Whatthe hell doesthat mean?” mutteredLogen. He couldn’tevensee one
edgeyoucouldcutwith.
Bayaz shrugged. “If I knew that I suppose that I’d be the Master Maker,
insteadofmerelytheFirstoftheMagi.”Hereachedforwardandliftedthebox,
wincingasthoughitwasagreatweight.“Couldyouhelpmewiththis?”
Logenhookedhishands underit, andgasped. Itcouldhardlyhaveweighed
moreifitwasablockofsolidiron.“Heavy,”hegrunted.
“Kanediasforgedittobestrong.Asstrongasallhisgreatskillcouldmakeit.
NottokeepitscontentssafefromtheWorld.”Heleanedcloseandspokesoftly.
“TokeeptheWorldsafefromitscontents.”
Logenfrowneddown.“What’sinit?”
“Nothing,”mutteredBayaz.“Yet.”
Jezalwastryingtothinkofthreemenintheworldhehatedmore.Brint?He
wassimplyaswollen-headedidiot.Gorst?Hehadmerelydonehismeagrebest
tobeatJezalinafencingmatch.Varuz?Hewasjustapompousoldass.
No. These three were at the top of his list. The arrogant old man with his
idioticprattleandhisself-importantairofmystery.Thehulkingsavagewithhis
uglyscarsandhismenacingfrown.Thepatronisingcripplewithhissmuglittle
comments and his pretensions of knowing all about life. The three of them,
combinedwiththestagnantairandperpetualgloomofthishorribleplace,were
almostenoughtomakeJezalpukeagain.Theonlythinghecouldimagineworse
thanhispresentcompanywasnocompanyatall.Helookedintotheshadowsall
around,andshudderedatthethought.
Still, his spirits rose as they turned a corner. There was a small square of
daylight up ahead. He hurried towards it, overtaking Glokta as he shambled
alongonhiscane,mouthwateringwithanticipationatthethoughtofbeingback
outunderthesky.
Jezalclosedhiseyeswithpleasureashesteppedintotheopenair.Thecold
wind stroked his face and he gasped in great lungfulls of it. The relief was
terrific,asthoughhehadbeentrappeddownthereinthedarknessforweeks,as
thoughfingersclampedaroundhisthroathadjustnowbeenreleased.Hewalked
forwardacrossawide,openspace,pavedwithstark,flatstones.Ninefingersand
Bayaz stood side by side up ahead, behind a parapet, waist high, and beyond
them…
TheAgriontcameintoviewbelow.Apatchworkofwhitewalls,greyroofs,
glinting windows, green gardens. They were nowhere near the summit of the
Makers House, only on one of the lowest roofs, above the gate, but still
terrifyinglyhigh.JezalrecognisedthecrumblingUniversity,theshiningdomeof
theLord’sRound,thesquatmassoftheHouseofQuestions.Hecouldseethe
SquareofMarshals,abowlofwoodenseatinginamongstthebuildings,perhaps
eventhetinyyellowflashofthefencingcircleinitscentre.Beyondthecitadel,
surroundedbyitswhitewallandtwinklingmoat,thecitywasasprawlinggrey
massunderthedirtygreysky,stretchingallthewaytothesea.
Jezal laughed with disbelief and delight. The Tower of Chains was a step
ladder compared to this. He was so high above the world that all seemed
somehowstill,frozenintime.Hefeltlikeaking.Nomanhadseenthis,notfor
hundredsofyears.Hewashuge,grand,farmoreimportantthanthetinypeople
thatmustliveandworkinthelittlebuildingsdownthere.Heturnedtolookat
Glokta,butthecripplewasnotsmiling.Hewasevenpalerthanever,frowningat
thetoycity,hislefteyetwitchingwithworry.
“Scaredofheights?”laughedJezal.
Gloktaturnedhisashenfacetowardhim.“Therewerenosteps.Weclimbed
nostepstogethere!”Jezal’sgrinbegantofade.“Nosteps,doyouunderstand?
Howcoulditbe?How?Tellmethat!”
Jezalswallowedashethoughtoverthewaytheyhadcome.Thecripplewas
right. No steps, no ramps, they had gone neither up nor down. Yet here they
were, far above the tallest tower of the Agriont. He felt sick, again. The view
nowseemeddizzying,disgusting,obscene.Hebackedunsteadilyawayfromthe
parapet.Hewantedtogohome.
“Ifollowedhimthroughthedarkness,alone,andhereIfacedhim.Kanedias.
TheMasterMaker.Herewefought.Fire,andsteel,andflesh.Herewestood.He
threw Tolomei from the roof before my eyes. I saw it happen, but I could not
stophim.Hisowndaughter.Canyouimagine?Noonecouldhavedeservedthat
less than she. There never was a more innocent spirit.” Logen frowned. He
hardlyknewwhattosaytothis.
“Here we struggled,” muttered Bayaz, his meaty fists clenched tight on the
bareparapet.“Itoreathim,withfireandsteel,andflesh,andheatme.Icast
himdown.Hefellburning,andbrokeuponthebridgebelow.Andsothelastof
the sons of Euz passed from the world, so many of their secrets lost forever.
Theydestroyedeachother,allfourofthem.Whatawaste.”
BayazturnedtolookatLogen.“Butthatwasalongtimeago,eh,myfriend?
Longago.”Hepuffedouthischeeksandhunchedhisshoulders.“Letusleave
thisplace.Itfeelslikeatomb.Itisatomb.Letussealituponcemore,andthe
memorieswithit.Thatisallinthepast.”
“Huh,”saidLogen.“Myfatherusedtosaytheseedsofthepastbearfruitin
thepresent.”
“Sotheydo.” Bayazreachedoutslowly,andhisfingersbrushedagainstthe
cold, dark metal of the box in Logen’s hands. “So they do. Your father was a
wiseman.”
Glokta’slegwasburning,histwistedspinewasariveroffirefromhisarseto
his skull. His mouth was dry as sawdust, his face sweaty and twitching, the
breathhissinginhisnose,buthepressedonthroughthedarkness,awayfromthe
vasthallwithitsblackorbanditsstrangecontraption,ontowardstheopendoor.
Andintothelight.
He stood there with his head tipped back, on the narrow bridge before the
narrow gateway, his hand trembling on the handle of his cane, blinking and
rubbinghiseyes,gaspinginthefreeairandfeelingthecoolbreezeonhisface.
Who would have thought that wind could feel so fine? Maybe it’s just as well
thereweren’tanysteps.Imightneverhavemadeitout.
Lutharwasalreadyhalfwaybackacrossthebridge,hurryingasthoughhehad
a devil a stride behind. Ninefingers was not far away, breathing hard and
mutteringsomethinginNorthernoverandover.“Stillalive,”Gloktathoughtit
might be. His big hands were clenched tight around that square metal box,
tendonsstandingoutasthoughitweighedasmuchasananvil.Therewasmore
tothistripthanjustprovingapoint.Whatisitthattheybroughtoutfromthere?
What weighs so heavily? He glanced back into the darkness, and shivered. He
wasnotsureheevenwantedtoknow.
Bayazstrolledoutofthetunnelandintotheopenair,lookingsmugasever.
“So,Inquisitor,”hesaidbreezily.“HowdidyoufindyourtripintotheHouseof
theMaker?”
A twisted, strange and horrible nightmare. I might even have preferred to
return to the Emperors prisons for a few hours. “Something to do of a
morning,”hesnapped.
“I’msogladyoufounditdiverting,”chuckledBayaz,ashepulledtherodof
darkmetaloutfromhisshirt.“Andtellme,doyoustillbelievethatI’maliar?
Orhaveyoursuspicionsfinallybeenlaidtorest?”
Gloktafrownedatthekey.Hefrownedattheoldman.Hefrownedintothe
crushingdarknessoftheMakersHouse.Mysuspicionsgrowwitheverypassing
moment.Theyareneverlaidtorest.Theyonlychangeshape.“Honestly?Idon’t
knowwhattobelieve.”
“Good. Knowing your own ignorance is the first step to enlightenment.
Between you and me, though, I’d think of something else to tell the Arch
Lector.” Glokta felt his eyelid flickering. “You’d better start across, eh,
Inquisitor?WhileIlockup?”
Theplungetothecoldwaterbelownolongerseemedtoholdmuchfear.IfI
weretofall,atleastIwoulddieinthelight.Gloktalookedbackonlyonce,ashe
heard the doors of the Makers House shut with a soft click, the circles slide
backintoplace.Allas it wasbeforewe arrived. He turned his prickling back,
suckedhisgumsagainstthefamiliarwavesofnausea,andcursedandstruggled
hislimpingwayacrossthebridge.
Lutharwashammeringdesperatelyontheoldgatesatthefarend.“Letusin!”
he was nearly sobbing as Glokta hobbled up, an edge of cracked panic to his
voice.“Letusin!”Thedoorfinallywobbledopentorevealashocked-looking
Warden.Suchashame.IwassurethatCaptainLutharwasabouttoburstinto
tears.TheproudwinneroftheContest,theUnion’sbravestyoungson,thevery
flowerofmanhood,blubbingonhis knees.That sightcould almosthave made
the trip worthwhile. Luthar darted through the open gate and Ninefingers
followedgrimlyafter,cradlingthemetalboxinhisarms.TheWardensquinted
atGloktaashelimpeduptothegate.“Backsosoon?”
Youolddolt.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout,sosoon?”
“I’m only halfway through my eggs. You’ve been gone less than half an
hour.”
Glokta barked a joyless laugh. “Half a day, perhaps.” But he frowned as he
peeredpastintothecourtyard.Theshadowswerealmostexactlywheretheyhad
beenwhentheyleft.Earlymorningstill,buthow?
“TheMakeroncetoldmethattimeisallinthemind.”Gloktawincedashe
turnedhishead.Bayazhadcomeupbehindhim,andwastappingthesideofhis
bald skull with a thick finger. “It could be worse, believe me. It’s when you
come out before you went in that you really start to worry.” He smiled, eyes
glintinginthelightthroughthedoorway.Playingthefool?Ortryingtomakea
foolofme?Eitherway,thesegamesgrowtiresome.
“Enoughriddles,”sneeredGlokta.“Whynotjusttellmewhatyou’reafter?”
The First of the Magi, if such he was, grinned still wider. “I like you,
Inquisitor,Ireallydo.Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifyouweretheonlyhonestman
leftinthiswholedamncountry.Weshouldhaveatalkatsomepoint,youandI.
AtalkaboutwhatIwant,andaboutwhatyouwant.”Hissmilevanished.“But
nottoday.”
Andhesteppedthroughtheopendoor,leavingGloktabehindintheshadows.
Nobody’sDog
“Why me?” West murmured to himself through gritted teeth, staring across
the bridge towards the South Gate. That nonsense at the docks had taken him
longer than expected, much longer, but then didn’t everything these days? It
sometimesfeltasifhewastheonlymanintheUnionseriouslypreparingfora
war,andhadtoorganisetheentirebusinessonhisown,rightdowntocounting
thenailsthatwouldholdthehorses’shoeson.Hewasalreadylateforhisdaily
meeting with Marshal Burr, and knew there would be a hundred impossible
things for him to get done today. There always were. To become involved in
somepointlesshold-uphereattheverygateoftheAgriontwasallheneeded.
“Whythehellmustitbeme?”Hisheadwasstartingtohurtagain.Thatalltoo
familiarpulsingbehindtheeyes.Eachdayitseemedtocomeonearlier,andend
upworse.
Becauseoftheheatoverthelastfewdays,theguardshadbeenpermittedto
cometodutywithoutfullarmour.Westreckonedthatatleasttwoofthemwere
nowregrettingit.Onewasfoldeduponthegroundnearthegate,handsclasped
between his legs, whimpering noisily. His sergeant stood stooped over next to
him,bloodrunningfromhisnoseandpatteringdarkreddropsonthestonesof
thebridge.Thetwoothersoldiersinthedetailhadtheirspearslowered,blades
pointing towards a scrawny dark-skinned youth. Another southerner stood
nearby, an old man with long grey hair, leaning against the handrail and
watchingthescenewithanexpressionofprofoundresignation.
TheyouthglancedquicklyoverhisshoulderandWestfeltastingofsurprise.
A woman: black hair hacked off short and sticking off her head in a mess of
greasy spikes. One sleeve was torn off round her shoulder and a long, sinewy
brownarmstuckout,endinginafistbunchedtightaroundthegripofacurved
knife. The blade shone, mirror bright and evilly sharp, the one and only thing
about her that looked clean. There was a thin, grey scar all the way down the
rightsideofherface,throughherblackeyebrowandacrossherscowlinglips.It
was her eyes, though, which truly caught West off guard: slightly slanted,
narrowedwiththedeepesthostilityandsuspicion,andyellow.He hadseen all
kindsofKanticsinhistime,whilehewasfightinginGurkhul,inthewar,buthe
neversaweyeslikethatbefore.Deep,rich,goldenyellow,like…
Piss. That was the smell, as he came closer. Piss, and dirt, and a lot of old,
soursweat.Herememberedthatfromthewaralright,thestinkofmenwhohad
notwashedinaverylongtime.Westfoughtthecompulsiontowrinkleuphis
noseandbreathethroughhismouthasheapproached,andtheurgetocircleout
wideandkeephisdistancefromthatglitteringblade.Youhavetoshownofear
ifyou’retocalmadangeroussituation,howevermuchyoumightbefeeling.In
hisexperience,ifyoucouldseemtobeincontrol,youweremorethanhalfway
tobeingthere.
“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”hegrowledatthebloody-facedsergeant.He
had no need at all to feign annoyance, he was getting later and angrier by the
second.
“ThesestinkingbeggarswantedtocomeintotheAgriont,sir!Itriedtoturn
themaway,ofcourse,buttheyhaveletters!”
“Letters?”
ThestrangeoldmantappedWestontheshoulder,handedoverafoldedsheet
ofpaper,slightlygrubbyroundtheedges.Hereadit,hisfrowngrowingsteadily
deeper. “This is a letter of transit signed by Lord Hoff himself. They must be
admitted.”
“Butnotarmed,sir!Isaidtheycouldn’tgoinarmed!”Thesergeantheldup
an odd looking bow of dark wood in one hand, and a curved sword of the
Gurkishdesignintheother.“Itwasenoughofastrugglegettinghertogivethese
up, but when I tried to search her… this Gurkish bitch…” The woman hissed
and took a quick step forward, and the sergeant and his two guards shuffled
nervouslybackinatightgroup.
“Peace, Ferro,” sighed the old man in the Kantic tongue. “For God’s sake,
peace.”Thewomanspatonthestonesofthebridgeandhissedsomecursethat
West could not understand, weaving the blade back and forth in a way that
suggestedsheknewhowtouseit,andwasmorethanwilling.
“Why me?” West mumbled under his breath. It was plain he was going
nowhereuntilthisdifficultywasresolved.Asifhedidn’thaveenoughtoworry
about.Hetookadeepbreathanddidhisbesttoputhimselfinthepositionofthe
stinking woman: a stranger, surrounded by strange-looking people speaking
words she didn’t understand, brandishing spears and trying to search her.
Probably she was even now thinking about how horrible West smelled.
Disorientatedandafraid,mostlikely,rather thandangerous. Shedid lookvery
dangerousthough,andnotintheleastafraid.
Theoldmancertainlyseemedthemorereasonableofthetwo,soWestturned
tohimfirst.“AreyoutwofromGurkhul?”heaskedhiminbrokenKantic.
TheoldmanturnedhistiredeyesonWest.“No.ThereismoretotheSouth
thantheGurkish.”
“Kadirthen?Taurish?”
“YouknowtheSouth?”
“Alittle.Ifoughtthere,inthewar.”
Theoldmanjerkedhisheadatthewoman,watchingthemsuspiciouslywith
herslantedyelloweyes.“SheisfromaplacecalledMuntaz.”
“Ineverheardofit.”
“Whywouldyouhave?”Theoldmanshruggedhisbonyshoulders.“Asmall
country,bythesea,fartotheeastofShaffa,beyondthemountains.TheGurkish
conqueredityearsago,anditspeoplewerescatteredormadeslaves.Apparently
she has been in a foul mood ever since.” The woman scowled over at them,
keepingoneeyeonthesoldiers.
“Andyou?”
“Oh,Icomefrommuchfurthersouth,beyondKanta,beyondthedesert,even
beyondtheCircleoftheWorld.Thelandofmybirthwillnotbeonyourmaps,
friend.Yulweiismyname.”Heheldoutalong,blackhand.
“CollemWest.”Thewomanwatchedthemwarilyastheyshookhands.
“ThisoneiscalledWest,Ferro!HefoughtagainsttheGurkish!Willthatmake
you trust him?” Yulwei didn’t sound very hopeful, and indeed the woman’s
shoulderswerestillashunchedandbristlingasever,hergripontheknifenoless
tight.Oneofthesoldierschosethatunfortunatemomenttotakeastepforward,
jabbingattheairwithhisspear,andthewomansnarledandspatagain,shouting
moreunintelligiblecurses.
“That’senough!”Westheardhimselfroaringattheguard.“Putyourfucking
spearsup!”Theyblinkedathim,shocked,andhefoughttobringhisvoiceback
undercontrol.“Idon’tthinkthisisafull-scaleinvasion,doyou?Putthemup!”
Reluctantly the spearpoints drifted away from the woman. West stepped
firmlytowardsher,keepinghiseyesfixedonherswithalltheauthorityhecould
muster.Shownofear,hethoughttohimself,buthisheartwasthumping.Heheld
outhisopenpalm,almostcloseenoughtotouchher.
“The knife,” said West sharply in his bad Kantic. “Please. You will not be
harmed,youhavemyword.”
Thewomanstaredathimwiththoseslanted,beadyyelloweyes,thenatthe
guardswiththespears,thenbacktohim.Shetookplentyoftimeoverit.West
stood there, mouth dry, head still thumping, getting later and later, sweating
under his uniform in the hot sun, trying to ignore the woman’s smell. Time
passed.
“God’steeth,Ferro!”snappedtheoldmansuddenly.“Iamold!Takepityon
me!Imayonlyhaveafewyearsleft!Givethemantheknife,beforeIdie!”
“Ssssss,” she hissed, curling her lip. For a dizzy, stretched-out moment the
knifewentup,thenthehiltslappeddownintoWest’spalm.Heallowedhimself
adryswallowofrelief.Rightupuntilthelastmomenthehadbeenalmostsure
shewouldgivehimthesharpend.
“Thankyou,”hesaid,adealmorecalmlythanhefelt.Hehandedtheknifeto
the sergeant. “Stow the weapons away and escort our guests into the Agriont,
andifanyharmcomestoanyone,especiallyher,I’llbeholdingyouresponsible,
understand?”Hegloweredatthesergeantforamomentthensteppedthroughthe
gate into the tunnel before anything else could go wrong, leaving the old man
andthe stinking womanbehind him. Hisheadwas thumpinghardereven than
before.Damnithewaslate.
“Whythehellme?”hegrumbledtohimself.
“I am afraid the armouries are closed for the day,” sneered Major Vallimir,
staringdownhisnoseatWestasthoughatabeggarwhiningforsmallchange.
“Our quotas are fulfilled, ahead of schedule, and we will not be lighting the
forgesagainthisweek.Perhapsifyouhadarrivedontime…”Thepoundingin
West’sheadwasgrowingworsethanever.Heforcedhimselftobreatheslowly,
andkeephisvoicecalmandeven.Therewasnothingtobegainedbylosinghis
temper.Therewasneveranythingtobegainedbythat.
“Iunderstand,Major,”saidWestpatiently,“butthereisawaron.Manyofthe
levieswehave received are scarcely armed, andLordMarshalBurrhas asked
thattheforgesbelit,inordertoprovideequipmentforthem.”
Thiswasnotentirelytrue,butsincejoiningtheMarshal’sstaffWesthadmore
or less given up on telling the whole truth to anyone. That was no way to get
anythingdone.Henowemployedamixtureofwheedling,bluster,andoutright
lies, humble entreaties and veiled threats, and had become quite expert at
judgingwhichtacticwouldbemosteffectiveonwhatman.
Unfortunately, he had yet to strike the right chord with Major Vallimir, the
Master of the King’s Armouries. Somehow, their being equal in rank made
mattersallthemoredifficult:hecouldnotquitegetawaywithbullyingtheman,
butcouldnotquitebringhimselftobeg.
Furthermore, in terms of social standing they were anything but equals.
Vallimir was old nobility, from a powerful family, and arrogant beyond belief.
He made Jezal dan Luthar seem a humble, selfless type, and his total lack of
experienceinthefieldonlymademattersworse:hebehaveddoublylikeanass
inordertocompensate.Instructions from West,thoughtheymightcome from
MarshalBurrhimself,wereaswelcomeastheywouldhavebeenfromareeking
swineherd.
Today was no exception. “This month’s quotas are fulfilled, Major West,”
Vallimirmanagedtoputasneeringemphasisintothename,“andsotheforges
areclosed.Thatisall.”
“AndthisiswhatyouwouldhavemetelltheLordMarshal?”
“Thearmingofleviesistheresponsibilityofthoselordsthatprovidethem,”
herecitedprimly.“Icannotbeblamediftheyfallshortontheirobligations.Itis
simplynotourproblem,MajorWest,andyoumaytellthattotheLordMarshal.”
This was always the way of it. Back and forth: from Burrs offices to the
various commissary departments, to the commanders of companies, of
battalions,ofregiments,tothestoresscatteredaroundtheAgriontandthecity,
tothe armouries,thebarracks, thestables,to thedockswhere the soldiersand
their equipment would begin to embark in just a few short days, to other
departmentsandbacktowherehebegan,withmileswalkedandnothingdone.
Eachnighthewoulddropintobedlikeastone,onlytostartupafewhourslater
withitalltodoagain.
Ascommanderofabattalionhistradehadbeentofighttheenemywithsteel.
Asastaffofficer,itseemed,hisrolewastofighthisownsidewithpaper,more
secretarythansoldier.Hefeltlikeamantryingtopushahugestoneupahill.
Strainingandstraining,gettingnowhere,butunabletostoppushingincasethe
rockshouldfallandcrushhim.Meanwhile,arrogantbastardswhowereinjust
thesamedangerlazedontheslopesbesidehimsaying,“Well,it’snotmyrock.”
Heunderstoodnowwhy,duringthewarinGurkhul,therehadsometimesnot
beenenoughfoodforthementoeat,orclothesforthemtowear,orwagonsto
draw the supplies with, or horses to draw the wagons, or all manner of other
thingsthatweredeeplynecessaryandeasilyanticipated.
West would be damned before that happened because of some oversight of
his.Andhewouldcertainlybedamnedifhewouldseemendie forwant ofa
weapontofightwith.Hetriedyetagaintocalmhimself,buteachtimehishead
hurt more, and his voice was cracking with the effort. “And what if we find
ourselvesmiredinAnglandwithacrowdofhalf-clothed,unarmedpeasantsto
providefor,whatthen,MajorVallimir?Whoseproblemwillitbe?Notyours,I
daresay!You’llstillbehere,withyourcoldforgesforcompany!”
Westknewassoonashesaiditthathehadgonetoofar:themanpositively
bristled. “How dare you, sir! Are you questioning my personal honour? My
familygoesbackninegenerationsintheKing’sOwn!”
Westrubbedhiseyes,notknowingwhetherhewantedtolaughorcry.“Ihave
nodoubtsastoyourcourage,Iassureyou,thatwasnotmymeaningatall.”He
triedtoputhimselfinVallimirsposition.Hedidnotreallyknowthepressures
the man was under: probably he would rather be in command of soldiers than
smiths,probably…itwasnouse.Themanwasashit,andWesthatedhim.“This
isnotaquestionofyourhonour,Major,orthatofyourfamily.Thisisaquestion
ofourbeingfitforwar!”
Vallimirseyeshadturneddeadlycold.“Justwhodoyouthinkyou’retalking
to,youdirtycommoner?AlltheinfluenceyouhaveyouowetoBurr,andwhois
he but an oaf from the provinces, risen to his rank by fortune alone?” West
blinked.Heguessedwhattheysaidabouthimbehindhisbackofcourse,butit
was another thing to hear it to his face. “And when Burr is gone, what will
becomeofyou?Eh?Wherewillyoubewithouthimtohidebehind?You’veno
blood,nofamily!”Vallimirslipstwistedinacoldsneer.“Apartfromthatsister
ofyoursofcourse,andfromwhatIhear—”
West found himself moving forward, fast. “What?” he snarled. “What was
that?” His expression must have been dire indeed: he saw the colour draining
fromVallimirsface.
“I…I—”
“YouthinkIneedBurrtofightmybattles,youfuckinggutlessworm?”Before
heknew it hehad moved again,and Vallimirstumbledback towardsthewall,
flinchingsidewaysandraisingonearmasiftowardoffanexpectedblow.Itwas
themostWestcoulddotostophishandsfromgrabbingholdofthelittlebastard
and shaking him until his head came off. His own skull was throbbing,
pounding. He felt as though the pressure would pop his eyes right out of his
head.Hedraggedinlong,slowbreathsthroughhisnose,clenchedhisfistsuntil
theyhurt.Theangerslowlysubsided,backbelowthepointwhereitthreatened
totakesuddencontrolofhisbody.Itonlypulsednow,squeezingathischest.
“If you have something to say on the subject of my sister,” he whispered
softly,“thenyoucansayit.Sayitnow.”Helethislefthanddropslowlytositon
thehiltofhissword.“Andwecansettlethisoutsidethecitywalls.”
Major Vallimir shrank back still further. “I heard nothing,” he whispered,
“nothingatall.”
“Nothingatall.”Westlookeddownintohiswhitefaceforamomentlonger,
thenstepped away. “Now ifyouwouldbe so good astoreopen the forgesfor
me?Wehaveagreatdealofworktogetthrough.”
Vallimirblinkedforamoment.“Ofcourse.Iwillhavethemlitatonce.”
West turned on his heel and stalked off, knowing the man was glowering
daggersathisback,knowingthathehadmadeyetanotherbadsituationworse.
Onemorehigh-bornenemyamongthemany.Thereallygallingthingwasthat
themanwasright.WithoutBurr,hewasasgoodasfinished.Hehadnofamily
apart from that sister of his. Damn it, his head hurt. “Why me?” he hissed to
himself.“Why?”
Therewasstillalottodotoday,enoughforawholeday’sworkonitsown,
butWestcouldtakenomore.Hisheadhurtsobadlythathecouldhardlysee.He
hadtoliedowninthedark,withawetclothoverhisface,ifonlyforanhour,if
onlyforaminute.Hefumbledinhispocketforhiskey,hisotherhandclamped
over his aching eyes, his teeth locked together. Then he heard a sound on the
othersideofthedoor.Afaintclinkofglass.Ardee.
“No,”he hissed to himself.Notnow! Why thehellhadhe ever givenhera
key?Cursingsoftly,heraisedhisfisttoknock.Knockingonhisowndoor,that
waswherehewasnow.Hisfistnevermadeittothewood.Amostunpleasant
image began to form in the back of his mind. Ardee and Luthar, naked and
sweaty,writhingaroundonhiscarpet.Heturnedhiskeyswiftlyinthelockand
shovedthedooropen.
She was standing by the window, alone and, he was relieved to see, fully
dressed.Hewaslesspleasedtoseeherfillingaglassrighttothebrimfromthe
decanterthough.Sheraisedaneyebrowathimasheburstthroughthedoor.
“Oh,it’syou.”
“Whothehellelsewoulditbe?”snappedWest.“Thesearemyrooms,aren’t
they?”
“Somebody’snotinthebestofmoodsthismorning.”Abitofwineslopped
overtherimofherglassandontothetable.Shewipeditupwithherhandand
suckedherfingers,thentookalongswigfromtheglassforgoodmeasure.Her
everymovementniggledathim.
Westgrimacedandshovedthedoorshut.“Doyouhavetodrinksomuch?”
“Iunderstandthatayoungladyshouldhaveabeneficialpastime.”Herwords
werecareless,asusual,buteventhroughhisheadacheWestcouldtelltherewas
somethingstrangegoingon.Shekeptglancingtowardsthedesk,thenshewas
movingtowardsit.Hegottherefirst,snatchedupapieceofpaperfromthetop,
onelinewrittenonit.
“What’sthis?”
“Nothing!Giveitme!”
Heheldherawaywithonearmandreadit:
Theusualplace,tomorrownight
A.
West’s skin prickled with horror. “Nothing? Nothing?” He shook the letter
underhissisters nose. Ardeeturnedawayfrom him, flicking herheadasyou
mightatafly,sayingnothing,butslurpingnoisilyfromherglass.Westground
histeeth.
“It’sLuthar,isn’tit?”
“Ididn’tsayso.”
“You didn’t have to.” The paper crumpled up into a tiny ball in his white-
knuckled hand. He half turned towards the door, every muscle tensed and
trembling.Itwasthemosthecoulddotostophimselfdashingoutandthrottling
the little bastard right now, but he was just able to make himself think for a
moment.
Jezalhadlethimdown,andbadly,thatungratefulshit.Butitwashardlythat
shocking—themanwasanass.Youkeepyourwineinapaperbagyoushouldn’t
betooupsetwhenitleaks.Besides,Jezalwasn’ttheonewritingtheletters.What
good would stepping on his neck do? There would always be more empty-
headedyoungmenintheworld.
“Justwhereareyougoingwiththis,Ardee?”
Shesatdownonthesettleandglaredathimfrostilyovertherimofherglass.
“Withwhat,brother?”
“Youknowwithwhat!”
“Aren’t we family? Can’t we be candid with each other? If you have
somethingtosayyoucanoutandsayit!WheredoyouthinkI’mgoing?”
“Ithinkyou’regoingstraighttoshit,sinceyouask!”Hesqueezedhisvoice
backdownwiththegreatestofdifficulty.“ThisbusinesswithLutharhasgone
waytoofar.Letters?Letters?Iwarnedhim,butitseemshewasn’ttheproblem!
Whatareyouthinking?Areyouthinkingatall?Ithastostop,beforepeoplestart
totalk!”Hefeltasuffocatingtightnessinhischest,tookadeepbreath,buthis
voiceburstoutanyway.“They’redamn welltalkingalready!Itstopsnow!Do
youhearme?”
“Ihearyou,”shesaidcarelessly,“butwhocareswhattheythink?”
“Icare!”Henearlyscreamedit.“DoyouknowhowhardIhavetowork?Do
you think I’m a fool? You know what you’re about, Ardee!” Her face was
turningsullen,butheforgedon.“It’snotasthoughthisisthefirsttime!MustI
remindyou,yourluckwithmenhasnotexactlybeenthebest!”
“Notwiththemeninmyfamily,atleast!”Shewassittingboltuprightnow,
face tight and pale with anger. “And what would you know about my luck?
We’vehardlytalkedintenyears!”
“We’retalkingnow!”shoutedWest,flingingthecrumpledbitofpaperacross
theroom.“Haveyouthoughthowthismightturnout?Whatifyouweretoget
him?Haveyouconsideredthat?Wouldhisfamilybecharmedbytheblushing
bride,doyouthink?Atbestthey’dneverspeaktoyou.Atworstthey’dcutyou
bothoff!”Hepointedashakingfingeratthedoor.“Haven’tyounoticedhe’sa
vain,arrogantswine!Theyallare!Howwouldhemanage,doyouthink,without
hisallowance?Withouthisfriendsinhighplaces?Hewouldn’tknowwhereto
begin!Howcouldyoubehappywitheachother?”Hisheadwasreadytosplitin
half,butherantedon.Andwhathappensif,asisfarmorelikely,youcan’tget
him? What then? You’d be finished, have you thought on that? You’ve come
closeenoughbefore!Andyou’resupposedtobethecleverone!You’remaking
alaughing-stockofyourself!”Healmostchokedonhisrage.“Ofbothofus!”
Ardee gave a gasp. “Now we see it!” she nearly screamed at him. “No one
caresashitforme,butifyourreputationisindanger—”
“You fucking stupid bitch!” The decanter flew spinning across the room. It
crashedagainstthewallnotfarfromArdee’shead,sendingfragmentsofglass
flyingandwinerunningdowntheplaster.Itmadehimmorefurious.“Whydon’t
youfuckinglisten?”
He was across the room in an instant. Ardee looked surprised, just for a
moment,thentherewasasharpclick—hisfistcatchingherinthefaceasshegot
up.Shedidn’tfallfar.Hishandscaughtherbeforeshehittheground,yanked
herupthenflungherbackagainstthewall.
“You’llbetheendofus!”Herheadsmackedagainsttheplaster—once,twice,
threetimes.Onehandgrabbedholdofherneck.
Teethbared.Bodycrushedheragainstthewall.Alittlesnortinherthroatas
thefingersbegantosqueeze.
“Youselfish,useless…fucking…whore!”
Hairwastangledacrossherface.Hecouldonlyseeanarrowsliceofskin,the
cornerofamouth,onedarkeye.
Theeyestaredbackathim.Painless.Fearless.Empty,flat,likeacorpse.
Squeeze.Snort.Squeeze.
Squeeze…
Westcametohissenseswithasickeningjolt.Thefingerssnappedopen,he
jerkedthehandaway.Hissisterstayeduprightagainstthewall.Hecouldhear
herbreathing.Shortgasps.Orwasthathim?Hisheadwassplitting.Theeyewas
stillstaringathim.
Hemusthaveimaginedit.Musthave.Anysecondnowhewouldwakeup,the
nightmarewouldbeover.Adream.Thenshepushedthehairoutofherface.
Her skin was candle wax, pasty white. The trickle of blood from her nose
lookedalmostblackagainstit.Thepinkmarksstoodoutvividonherneck.The
marksthefingersmade.Hisfingers.Real,then.
West’sstomachchurned.Hismouthopenedbutnosoundcameout.Helooked
atthebloodonherlip,andhewantedtobesick.“Ardee…”Hewassodisgusted
hehalfvomitedashesaidtheword.He couldtaste thebileatthebackofhis
mouth,buthisvoicewouldn’tstopgurglingaway.“I’msorry…I’msosorry…
Areyoualright?”
“I’vehadworse.”Shereachedupslowlyandtouchedherlipwithafinger-tip.
Thebloodsmearedoutacrosshermouth.
“Ardee…”Onehandreachedouttoher,thenhejerkeditback,afraidofwhat
itmightdo.“I’msorry…”
“Hewasalwayssorry.Don’tyouremember?He’dholdusandcryafterwards.
Alwayssorry.Butitneverstoppedhimthenexttime.Haveyouforgotten?”
West gagged, choked back vomit again. If she’d wept, and ranted, and beat
himwithherfists,itwouldhavebeeneasiertobear.Anythingbutthis.Hetried
never to think about it, but he hadn’t forgotten. “No,” he whispered, “I
remember.”
“Didyouthinkhestoppedwhenyouleft?Hegotworse.OnlythenI’dhideon
myown.Iusedtodream that you’d come back, come back and save me.But
whenyoudidcomebackitwasn’tforlong,andthingsweren’tthesamebetween
us,andyoudidnothing.”
“Ardee…Ididn’tknow—”
“You knew, but you got away. It was easier to do nothing. To pretend. I
understand, and do you know, I don’t even blame you. It was some kind of
comfort,backthen,toknowyougotaway.Thedayhediedwasthehappiestof
mylife.”
“Hewasourfather—”
“Ohyes.Mybadluck.Badluckwithmen.Icriedatthegravelikeadutiful
daughter.Criedandcrieduntilthemournersfearedformyreason.ThenIlayin
bedawake,untileveryonewassleeping.Icreptoutofthehouse,Iwentbackto
thegrave,Istoodawhilelookingdown…thenIfuckingpissedonit!Ipulledup
my shift, and I squatted down, and I pissed on him! And all the while I was
thinking—I’llbenobody’sdoganymore!”
Shewipedthebloodfromhernoseonthebackofherhand.“Youshouldhave
seenhowhappyIwaswhenyousentforme!Ireadtheletteroverandover.The
patheticlittledreamsallcamealiveagain.Hope,eh?Whatafuckingcurse!Off
tolivewithmybrother.Myprotector.He’lllookoutforme,he’llhelpme.Now
maybeIcanhavealife!ButIfindyoudifferentthanIremembered.Allgrown
up.Firstyouignoreme,thenyoulectureme,thenyouhitme,andnowyou’re
sorry.Trulyyourfathersson!”
Hegroaned.Itwasasifshewasstickinganeedleinhim,rightinhisskull.
Less than he deserved. She was right. He had failed her. Long before today.
While he had been playing with swords and kissing the arses of people who
despisedhim,shehadbeensuffering.Alittleeffortwasallitwouldhavetaken,
buthecouldneverfaceit.Everyminutehehadspentwithherhefelttheguilt,
likearockinhisgut,weighinghimdown,unbearable.
Shesteppedawayfromthewall.“PerhapsI’llgoandpayacallonJezal.He
maybetheshallowestidiotinthewholecity,butIdon’tthinkhe’deverraisea
handtome,doyou?”Shepushedhimoutofthewayandmadeforthedoor.
“Ardee!”hecaughtholdofherarm.“Please…Ardee…I’msorry…”
Shestuckhertongueout,curleditintoatube,andblewbloodyspitthroughit.
It splattered softly down the front of his uniform. “That’s for your sorry,
bastard.”
Thedoorbangedshutinhisface.
EachManWorshipsHimself
Ferrostaredatthebigpinkthroughnarrowedeyes,andhestaredback.Ithad
been going on for a good while now, not all the time, but most of it. Staring.
Theywereallugly,thesesoftwhitethings,butthisonewassomethingspecial.
Hideous.
Sheknewthatshewasscarred,andweatheredbysunandwind,worndown
by years in the wilderness, but the pale skin on this one’s face looked like a
shieldhard used inbattle—chopped,gouged, torn, dented.Itwas surprising to
see the eyes still alive in a face so battered, but they were, and they were
watchingher.
Shehaddecidedhewasdangerous.
Notjustbig,butstrong.Brutalstrong.Twiceherweightmaybe,andhisthick
neck was all sinew. She could feel the strength coming off him. She wouldn’t
havebeensurprisedifhecouldliftherwithonehand,butthatdidn’tworryher
toomuch.He’dhavetogetaholdonherfirst.Bigandstrongcanmakeaman
slow.
Slowanddangerousdon’tmix.
Scarsdidn’tworryhereither.Theyjustmeanthe’dbeeninalotoffights,they
didn’tsaywhetherhe’dwon.Itwasotherthings.Thewayhesat—stillbutnot
quiterelaxed.Ready.Patient.Thewayhiseyesmoved—cunning,careful,from
her to the rest of the room, then back to her. Dark eyes, watching, thoughtful.
Weighingherup.Thickveinsonthebacksofhishands,butlongfingers,clever
fingers, lines of dirt under the nails. One finger missing. A white stump. She
didn’tlikeanyofit.Smelledlikedanger.
Shewouldn’twanttofightthisoneunarmed.
Butshe’dgivenherknifeovertothatpinkonthebridge.She’dbeenonthe
very point of stabbing him, but at the last moment she’d changed her mind.
Somethingin his eyes had remindedherofAruf, before the Gurkish stuckhis
headonaspear.Sadandlevel,asifheunderstoodher.Asifshewasaperson,
andnotathing.Atthelastmoment,despiteherself,she’dgiventhebladeaway.
Allowedherselftobeledinhere.
Stupid!
Sheregretteditnow,bitterly,butshe’dfightanywayshecould,ifshehadto.
Mostpeopleneverrealisehowfulltheworldisofweapons.Thingstothrow,or
throw enemies on to. Things to break, or use as clubs. Wound-up cloths to
strangle with. Dirt to fling in faces. Failing that, she’d bite his throat out. She
curledherlipsbackandshowedhimherteethtoproveit,butheseemednotto
notice.Justsatthere,watching.Silent,still,ugly,anddangerous.
“Fuckingpinks,”shehissedtoherself.
The thin one, by contrast, hardly seemed dangerous at all. Ill-looking, with
longhairlikeawoman’s.Awkwardandtwitchy,lickinghislips.Hewouldsneak
the odd glance at her, but look away as soon as she scowled over at him,
swallowing,theknobblylumpinhisnecksquirmingupanddown.Heseemed
scared,nothreat,butFerrokepthiminthecornerofhereyewhileshewatched
thebigone.Bestnottodismisshimentirely.
Lifehadtaughthertoexpectsurprises.
Thatjustlefttheoldman.Shedidn’ttrustaoneofthesepinks,butshetrusted
thisbaldoneleastofall.Manydeeplinesonhisface,roundhiseyes,roundhis
nose.Cruellines.Hard,heavybonesinhischeeks.Bigthickhands,whitehairs
onthebacksofthem.Ifshehadtokillthesethree,forallthedangerthatthebig
oneseemedtooffer,shedecidedshewouldkillthisbaldonefirst.Hehadthe
look of a slaver in his eye, staring at her up and down, all over. A cold look,
judgingwhatshemightbeworth.
Bastard.
Bayaz,Yulwei calledhim,and thetwoold menseemedto knoweachother
well.“So,brother,”thebaldpinkwassayingintheKantictongue,thoughitwas
plainenoughtheyweren’trelated,“howisitinthegreatEmpireofGurkhul?”
Yulwei sighed. “Only a year since he seized the crown, and Uthman has
brokenthelastoftherebels,andbroughtthegovernorsfirmlytoheel.Already,
theyoungEmperorismore feared than ever his father was. Uthman-ul-Dosht,
hissoldierscallhim,andproudly.AlmostallofKantaisinhisgrip.Hereigns
supremeallroundtheSouthernSea.”
“AsidefromDagoska.”
“True,buthiseyesarebentonit.Hisarmiesswarmtowardthepeninsula,and
hisagentsareeverbusybehindDagoska’sgreatwalls.Nowthatthereiswarin
theNorth, it cannotbelong before hefeelsthe timeisripe to laysiegeto the
city,andwhenhedoes,Idonotthinkitcanstandlongagainsthim.”
“Areyousure?TheUnionstillcontrolstheseas.”
Yulweifrowned.“Wesawships,brother.Manygreatships.TheGurkishhave
builtafleet.Apowerfulone,insecret.Theymusthavebegunyearsago,during
thelastwar.IfeartheUnionwillcontroltheseasbutlittlelonger.”
“Afleet?Ihadhopedtohaveafewmoreyearsinwhichtoprepare.”Thebald
pinksoundedgrim.“Myplansonlybecomethemoreurgent.”
She was bored with their talk. She was used to being always on the move,
keepingalwaysonestrideahead,andshehatedto stand still. Stay too long in
one place, and the Gurkish would find you. She wasn’t interested in being an
exhibit for these curious pinks to stare at. She sauntered off around the room
whilethetwooldmenmadeendlesswords,scowlingandsuckingherteeth.She
swungherarmsaround.Shekickedatthewornboardsofthefloor.Shepokedat
theclothsonthewalls,andpeeredbehindthem,ranherfingersalongtheedges
ofthefurniture,clickedhertongueandsnappedherteethtogether.
Makingeveryonenervous.
She passed by the big ugly pink in the chair, almost close enough for her
swinginghandtotouchhispittedskin.Justtoshowhimthatshedidn’tcarea
shit for his size, or his scars, or anything else. Then she strutted over to the
nervous one. The skinny pink with the long hair. He swallowed as she came
close.
“Sssss,”shehissedathim.Hemutteredsomethingandshuffledaway,andshe
steppeduptotheopenwindowinhisplace.Lookingout,turningherbackonthe
room.
Justtoshowthepinksshedidn’tcareashitforanyofthem.
Thereweregardensoutside thewindow. Trees,plants,widesweepsof lawn
neatlyarranged.Groupsoffat,palemenandwomenlazedaroundinthesunon
the carefully cut grass, stuffing their sweaty faces with food. Swilling down
drink.Shescowleddownatthem.Fat,ugly,lazypinks,withnoGodbuteating
andidleness.
“Gardens,”shesneered.
Therehadbeen gardens in Uthman’s palace. She used tolookatthem from
the tiny window of her room. Her cell. Long before he became Uthman-ul-
Dosht.WhenhehadonlybeentheEmperorsyoungestson.Whenshehadbeen
oneamonghismanyslaves.Hisprisoner.Ferroleanedforwardandspatoutof
thewindow.
Shehatedgardens.
She hated cities altogether. Places of slavery, fear, degradation. Their walls
werethewallsofaprison.Thesoonershewasgonefromthisaccursedplacethe
happiershewouldbe.Orthe lessunhappy,atleast.Sheturnedawayfromthe
window,andscowledagain.Theywereallstaringather.
The one called Bayaz was the first to speak. “It certainly is quite a striking
thingyou’vediscovered,brother.Youwouldn’tmissherinacrowd,eh?Areyou
sureshe’swhatI’mlookingfor?”
Yulweilookedatherforaminute.“AssureasIcanbe.”
“I’m standing right here,” she growled at them, but the bald pink went on
talkingasthoughshecouldn’thear.
“Doesshefeelpain?”
“Butlittle.ShefoughtanEaterontheroad.”
“Really?”Bayazchuckledsoftlytohimself.“Howbadlydidithurther?”
“Badly, but in two days she was walking, in a week she was healed. She
showsnotascratchfromit.Thatisnotnormal.”
“Wehavebothseenmanythingsthatarenotnormalinourtimes.Wemustbe
sure.” The bald man reached into a pocket. Ferro watched suspiciously as he
pulled out his fist, placed it on the table. When he took it away two smooth,
polishedstoneslayonthewood.
Thebaldmanleanedforward.“Tellme,Ferro,whichisthebluestone?”
She stared at him, hard, then down at the stones. There was no difference
betweenthem.Theywereallwatchingher,closerthanevernow,andsheground
herteeth.
“Thatone.”Shepointedtotheoneontheleft.
Bayaz smiled. “Exactly the answer I was hoping for.” Ferro shrugged her
shoulders.Lucky,shethought,toguesstherightone.Thenshenoticedthelook
onthebigpink’sface.Hewasfrowningatthetwostones,asthoughhedidn’t
understand.
“Theybotharered,”saidBayaz.“Youseenocoloursatall,eh,Ferro?”
Sothebaldpinkhadplayedatrickonher.Shewasn’tsurehowhecouldhave
known,butshewassureshedidn’tlikeit.NooneplaystricksonFerroMaljinn.
Shestartedtolaugh.Arough,ugly,unpractisedgurgling.
Thenshesprangacrossthetable.
The look of surprise was just forming on the old pink’s face as her fist
crunchedintohisnose.Hegaveagrunt,chairtippingbackwards,sprawlingout
ontothefloor.Shescrambledacrossthetabletogetathim,butYulweigrabbed
hold of her leg and dragged her back. Her clawing hands missed the bald
bastard’s neck and hauled the table over on its side instead, the two stones
skitteringawayacrosstheboards.
Sheshookherlegfreeandwentfortheoldpinkashestaggeredupfromthe
floor,butYulweicaughtherarmandpulledherbackagain,allthewhileyelling,
“Peace!”Hegotherelbowinhisfaceforhistrouble,andsaggedbackagainst
thewallwithherontopofhim.Shewasfirstup,readytogoatthebaldbastard
again.
By now the big one was on his feet though, and moving forward, still
watching her. Ferro smiled at him, fists clenched at her sides. Now she would
seehowdangeroushereallywas.
Hetookanotherstep.
ThenBayazputanarmouttostophim.Hehadhisotherhandclaspedtohis
nose,tryingtostaunchtheflowofblood.Hestartedtochuckle.
“Verygood!”Hecoughed.“Veryfierce,anddamnquicktoo.Withoutadoubt,
you’rewhatwe’reafter!Ihopeyouwillacceptmyapologies,Ferro.”
“What?”
“Formyawfulmanners.”Hewipedbloodfromhisupperlip.“Ideservedno
less, but I had to be sure. I am sorry. Am I forgiven?” He looked somehow
differentnow,thoughnothinghadchanged.Friendly,considerate,honest.Sorry.
Butittookmorethanthattowinhertrust.Alotmore.
“We’llsee,”shehissed.
“That’s allIask.That, and thatyougive Yulwei andIamoment to discuss
some…matters.Mattersbestdiscussedinprivate.”
“It’salright,Ferro,”saidYulwei,“theyarefriends.”Shewasdamnsurethey
weren’therfriends,butsheallowedhimtoshepherdheroutofthedoorbehind
thetwopinks.“Justtrynottokillanyofthem.”
Thisroomwasmuchliketheother.Theyhadtoberich,thesepinks,forall
theydidn’tlookit.Greatbigfireplace,madeofdarkveinedstone.Cushions,and
softclothroundthewindow,coveredinflowersandbirdsintinystitches.There
wasapaintingofasternmanwithacrownonhishead,frowningdownatFerro
fromthewall.Shefrownedbackathim.Luxury.
Ferrohatedluxuryevenmorethanshehatedgardens.
Luxury meant captivity more surely than the bars of a cage. Soft furniture
spelleddangermoresurelythanweapons.Hardgroundand coldwaterwas all
sheneeded.Softthingsmakeyousoft,andshewantednopartofthat.
There was another man waiting in there, walking round and round with his
handsbehindhisback,asthoughhedidn’tliketostandstilltoolong.Notquitea
pink, his leathery skin was somewhere between hers and theirs in tone. Head
shaved,likeapriest.Ferrodidn’tlikethat.
Shehatedpriestsmostofall.
Hiseyes lit upwhenhesaw her though,forall her sneeringathim, and he
hurriedover.Astrangelittlemanintravel-wornclothes,thetopofhisheadcame
upno higherthan Ferro’s mouth.“I amBrother Longfoot,”flapping hishands
aroundallovertheplace,“ofthegreatorderofNavigators.”
“Luckyforyou.”Ferroturnedhershouldertowardshim,strainingherearsto
hearwhatthetwooldmenweresayingbeyondthedoor,butLongfootwasnot
deterred.
“Itislucky!Yes,yes,itmostcertainlyis!Godhastrulyblessedme!Ideclare
thatnever,inallofhistory,hasamanbeensowellsuitedtohisprofession,ora
professiontoaman,asI,BrotherLongfoot,am suited to the noble science of
Navigation! From the snow-covered mountains of the far North, to the sun-
drenchedsandsoftheutmostSouth,thewholeworldismyhome,truly!”
Hesmiledatherwithalookofsickeningself-satisfaction.Ferroignoredhim.
Thetwopinks,thebigoneandthescrawnyone,weretalkingtoeachotheron
the far side of the room. They spoke in some language she didn’t understand.
Soundedlikepigsgrunting.Talkingabouthermaybe,butshedidn’tcare.They
wentoutanotherdoor,leavingheralonewiththepriest,stillflappinghislips.
“There are few nations within the Circle of the World to which I, Brother
Longfoot,am a stranger,andyet I amata loss astoyourorigins.” Hewaited
expectantly,butFerrosaidnothing.“Youwouldlikemetoguess,then?Indeed,
it is a riddle. Let me see… your eyes have the shape of the people of distant
Suljuk,wheretheblackmountainsrisesheerfromthesparklingsea,indeedthey
do,andyetyourskinis—”
“Stopyourmouth,cunt.”
Themanpausedinmid-sentence,coughedandmovedaway,leavingFerroto
attend to the voices on the other side of the door. She smiled to herself. The
wood was thick and the sounds were muffled, but the two old men had not
reckonedonthesharpnessofherears.TheywerestillspeakinginKantic.Now
thatidiotofaNavigatorwasquietshecouldmakeouteverywordthatYulwei
wassaying.
“…KhalulbreakstheSecondLaw,soyoumustbreaktheFirst?Ilikeitnot,
Bayaz! Juvens would never have allowed this!” Ferro frowned. Yulwei had a
strange note in his voice. Fear. The Second Law. He had spoken of it to the
Eaters,Ferroremembered.Itisforbiddentoeatthefleshofmen.
Sheheardthebaldpinknext.“TheFirstLawisaparadox.Allmagiccomes
from the Other Side, even ours. Whenever you change a thing you touch the
worldbelow,wheneveryoumakeathingyouborrowfromtheOtherSide,and
thereisalwaysacost.”
“But the cost of this might be too high! It is a cursed thing, this Seed, a
damned thing. Nothing but chaos grows from it! The sons of Euz, so great in
wisdomand power,thisSeed wasthe endofthem, ofallof them,indifferent
ways.AreyouwiserthanJuvens,Bayaz?AreyoumorecunningthanKanedias?
AreyoustrongerthanGlustrod?”
“Noneofthose,brother,buttellme…howmanyEatershasKhalulmade?”
Alongpause.“Icannotbesure.”
“Howmany?”
Another pause. “Perhaps two hundred. Perhaps more. The priesthood scour
theSouthforthosewithanypromise.Fasterandfasternowhemakesthem,but
mostareyoung,andweak.”
“Twohundredormore,andgrowingallthetime.Manyareweak,butamong
them are some that might be a match for you or I. Those that were Khalul’s
apprentices in the Old Time—the one they called the East Wind, and those
cursedbloodytwins.”
“Damnthosebitches!”Yulweigroaned.
“NottomentionMamun,whoseliesbeganthischaos.”
“Thetroublewaswellrootedbeforehewasevenborn,youknowit,Bayaz.
StillMamunwasintheBadlands.Ifelthimnear.Heisgrownterriblestrong.”
“YouknowthatIamright.Meanwhile,ournumbershardlygrow.”
“Ithoughtthisone,Quai,showedpromise?”
“We need only a hundred more like him and twenty years in which to train
them. Then we might stand on equal terms. No, brother, no. We must use fire
againstfire.”
“Evenif thefireburns youandall creationto ashes?Letme gotoSarkant.
Khalulmightyethearreason—”
Laughter. “He has enslaved half the world! When will you wake, Yulwei?
Whenhehasenslavedtherestofit?Icannotaffordtoloseyou,brother!”
“Remember,Bayaz,thereareworsethingsthanKhalul.Farworse.”Hisvoice
dropped to a whisper and Ferro strained to hear. “The Tellers of Secrets are
alwayslistening…”
“Enough, Yulwei! It is better not even to think of it!” Ferro frowned. What
wasthisnonsense?TellersofSecrets?Whatsecrets?
“Remember what Juvens told you, Bayaz. Beware of pride. You have been
usingtheArt.Iknowit.Iseeashadowonyou.”
“Damn your shadows! I do what I must! Remember what Juvens told you,
Yulwei.Onecannotwatchforever.Timeisshort,andIwillwatchnolonger.I
amfirst.Itismydecisiontomake.”
“Have I not always followed where you have led? Always, even when my
consciencetoldmeotherwise?”
“AndhaveIeverledyouwrong?”
“Thatremainstobeseen.Youarefirst,Bayaz,butyouarenotJuvens.Itismy
parttoquestion,andthatofZacharustoo.HewilllikethisstilllessthanI.Far
less.”
“Itmustbedone.”
“But others will pay the price, as they always have. This Northman,
Ninefingers,hecanspeaktothespirits?”
“Yes.”Ferrofrowned.Spirits?Thenine-fingeredpinkhadscarcelylookedas
ifhecouldspeaktootherhumans.
“AndifyoufindtheSeed,”cameYulwei’svoicefrombehindthedoor,“you
meanforFerrotocarryit?”
“Shehastheblood,andsomeonemust.”
“Be careful then, Bayaz. I know you, remember. Few better. Give me your
wordthatyouwillkeephersafe,evenaftershehasservedyourpurpose.”
“IwillguardhermorecloselythanIwouldmyownchild.”
“GuardhercloserthanyoudidtheMakerschild,andIwillbesatisfied.”
Alongsilence.Ferroworkedherjawasshethoughtonwhatshehadheard.
Juvens,Kanedias,Zacharus—thestrangenamesmeantnothingtoher.Andwhat
kindof seed could burnallcreation to ashes?Shewantedno part ofanysuch
thing,shewassureofthat.Herplacewasinthesouth,fightingtheGurkishwith
weaponsthatsheunderstood.
The door opened, and the two old men stepped through. They could hardly
havelookedmoredifferent.Onedark-skinned,tallandbonywithlonghair,the
other white-skinned, heavy-built and bald. She looked at them suspiciously. It
wasthewhiteonewhospokefirst.
“Ferro,Ihaveanofferto—”
“Iamnotgoingwithyou,oldpinkfool.”
Theslightestshadowofannoyanceflittedacrossthebaldman’sface,butwas
quickly mastered. “Why? What other business have you which is so very
pressing?”
Thatneedednothinkingabout.“Vengeance.”Herfavouriteword.
“Ah.Isee.YouhatetheGurkish?”
“Yes.”
“Theyoweyouadebt,forwhattheyhavedonetoyou?”
“Yes.”
“Fortakingyourfamily,yourpeople,yourcountry?”
“Yes.”
“For making you a slave,” he whispered. She glowered back at him,
wonderinghowhe knewsomuchabouther,wondering whethertogo forhim
again. “They have robbed you, Ferro, robbed you of everything. They have
stolen your life from you. If I were you… if I had suffered as you have
suffered… there would not be enough blood in all the South to satisfy me. I
wouldseeeveryGurkishsoldiermadeacorpsebeforeIwassatisfied.Iwould
see every Gurkish city burn before I was satisfied. I would see their Emperor
rottinginacagebeforehisownpalacebeforeIwassatisfied!”
“Yes!”shehissed,afiercesmileacrossherface.Hewastalkingherlanguage
now.Yulweihadnevertalkedso—perhapsthisoldpinkwasn’tsobadafterall.
“Youunderstand!ThatiswhyImustgosouth!”
“No,Ferro.”Itwasthebaldmangrinningnow.“Youdonotrealisethechance
thatIamofferingyou.TheEmperordoesnottrulyruleinKama.Mightythough
heseems,hedancestothetuneofanother,ahandwellhidden.Khalul,theycall
him.”
“TheProphet.”
Bayaznodded.“Ifyouarecut,doyouhatetheknife,ortheonewhowields
it?TheEmperor,theGurkish,theyarebutKhalul’stools,Ferro.Emperorscome
andgo, butthe Prophetis alwaysthere, behindthem.Whispering.Suggesting.
Ordering.Heistheonethatowesyou.”
“Khalul… yes.” The Eaters had used that name. Khalul. The Prophet. The
Emperors palacewas filledwith priests,everyone knewit. Thepalaces ofthe
governors too. Priests, they were everywhere, swarming, like insects. In the
cities, in the villages, in amongst the soldiers, always spreading their lies.
Whispering. Suggesting. Ordering. Yulwei was frowning, unhappy, but Ferro
knewthattheoldpinkwasright.“Yes,Iseeit!”
“Help me, and I will give you vengeance, Ferro. Real vengeance. Not one
dead soldier, or ten, but thousands. Tens of thousands! Perhaps the Emperor
himself, who knows?” He shrugged, and half turned away from her. “Still, I
cannotforceyou.GobacktotheBadlands,ifyouwish—hide,andrun,andgrub
in the dust like a rat. If that satisfies you. If that is the full measure of your
vengeance. The Eaters want you now. Khalul’s children. Without us they will
haveyou,andsoonerratherthanlater.Still,thechoiceisyours.”
Ferro frowned. All those years in the wilderness, fighting tooth and nail,
alwaysrunning,hadgothernothing.Novengeanceworthyoftheword.Ifithad
notbeenforYulwei,shewouldbefinishednow.Whitebonesinthedesert.Meat
inthebelliesoftheEaters.InthecagebeforetheEmperorspalace.
Rotting.
Shecouldnotsayno,andsheknewit,butshedidnotlikeit.Thisoldman
hadknownexactlywhattoofferher.Shehatedtohavenochoice.
“Iwillthinkaboutit,”shesaid.
Again,theslightestshadowofangeronthebaldpink’sface,quicklycovered.
“Thinkaboutitthen,butnotforlong.TheEmperorssoldiersaremassing,and
timeisshort.”Hefollowedthe others out of the room, leaving her alone with
Yulwei.
“Idonotlikethesepinks,”shesaid,loudenoughfortheoldonetohearherin
thecorridor,andthenmoresoftly.“Dowehavetogowiththem?”
“Youdo.ImustreturntotheSouth.”
“What?”
“SomeonemustkeepwatchontheGurkish.”
“No!”
Yulweibegantolaugh.“Twiceyouhavetriedtokillme.Onceyouhavetried
torunawayfromme,butnowthatIamleavingyouwantmetostay?There’sno
understandingyou,Ferro.”
Shefrowned.“Thisbaldonesayshecangivemevengeance.Doeshelie?”
“No.”
“ThenImustgowithhim.”
“Iknow.ThatiswhyIbroughtyouhere.”
Shecouldthinkofnothingtosay.Shelookeddownatthefloor,butYulwei
surprisedherbysteppingforwardsuddenly.Sheraisedherhand,towardoffa
blow,butinsteadheputhisarmsroundherandsqueezedhertightly.Astrange
feeling.Beingsoclosetosomeoneelse.Warm.ThenYulweisteppedaway,one
handonhershoulder.“WalkinGod’sfootsteps,FerroMaljinn.”
“Huh.TheyhavenoGodhere.”
“Sayratherthattheyhavemany.”
“Many?”
“Hadyounotnoticed?Here,eachmanworshipshimself.”Shenodded.That
seemedclosetothetruth.“Becareful,Ferro.AndlistentoBayaz.Heisthefirst
ofmyorder,andfewindeedarewiseashe.”
“Idonottrusthim.”
Yulwei leaned closer. “I did not tell you to trust him.” Then he smiled, and
turned his back. She watched him walk slowly to the door, then out into the
corridor.Sheheardhisbarefeetflappingawayonthetiles,thebanglesonhis
armsjinglingsoftly.
Leavingheralonewiththeluxury,andthegardens,andthepinks.
OldFriends
Therewasathumpingknockatthedoor,andGloktajerkedhisheadup,left
eye suddenly twitching. Who the hell comes knocking at this hour? Frost?
Severard?Orsomeoneelse?SuperiorGoyle,maybe,cometopaymeavisitwith
his circus freaks? Might the Arch Lector have grown tired of his toy cripple
already? One could hardly say the feast went according to plan, and his
Eminenceishardlytheforgivingtype.Bodyfoundfloatingbythedocks…
Theknockingcameagain.Loud,confidentknocking.Thekindthatdemands
thedoor beopened,before it’sbrokendown. “I’m coming!” he shouted, voice
cracking slightly as he prised himself out from behind his table, legs wobbly.
“I’mjustcoming!”Hesnatcheduphiscaneandlimpedtothefrontdoor,tooka
deepbreathandfumbledwiththelatch.
It was not Frost, or Severard. Nor was it Goyle, or one of his freakish
Practicals. It was someone much more unexpected. Glokta raised an eyebrow,
thenleanedagainstthedoorframe.“MajorWest,whatasurprise.”
Sometimes,whenoldfriendsmeet,thingsareinstantlyastheywereallthose
years before. The friendship resumes, untouched, as though there had been no
interruption. Sometimes, but not now. “Inquisitor Glokta,” mumbled West—
hesitant,awkward,embarrassed.“I’msorrytobotheryousolate.”
“Don’tmentionit,”saidGloktawithicyformality.
TheMajornearlywinced.“MayIcomein?”
“Of course.” Glokta shut the front door behind him, then limped after West
into his dining room. The Major squeezed himself into one of the chairs and
Glokta took another. They sat there facing each other for a moment, without
speaking. What the hell does he want, at this hour or any other? Glokta
scrutinisedhisoldfriend’sfaceintheglowfromthefireandtheone,flickering
candle.Nowthathecouldseehimmoreclearly,herealisedWesthadchanged.
Helooksold.Hishairwasthinningatthetemples,goinggreyroundhisears.His
facewaspale,pinched,slightlyhollow.Helooksworried.Grounddown.Close
to the edge. West looked round at the mean room, the mean fire, the mean
furniture,cautiouslyupatGlokta,thenquicklydownatthefloor.Nervous,asif
hehadsomethingpickingathismind.Helooksillatease.Aswellhemight.
Hedidnotseemreadytobreakthesilence,soGloktadiditforhim.“So,how
long has it been, eh? Apart from that night in town, and we can hardly count
that,canwe?”
The memory of that unfortunate meeting hung between them for a moment
likeafart,thenWestclearedhisthroat.“Nineyears.”
“Nineyears.Imaginethat.Sincewestoodontheridge,oldfriendstogether,
lookingdowntowardstheriver.DowntowardsthebridgeandallthoseGurkish
ontheotherside.Seemsalifetimeago,doesn’tit?Nineyears.Icanremember
youpleadingwithmenottogodownthere,butIwashavingnoneofit.Whata
foolIwas,eh?ThoughtIwasouronlyhope.ThoughtIwasinvincible.”
“Yousavedusallthatday,savedthewholearmy.”
“DidI?Howwonderful.IdaresayifI’ddiedonthatbridgethere’dbestatues
ofmeallovertheplace.ShameIdidn’t,really.Shameforeveryone.”
West winced and shifted in his chair, looking ever more uncomfortable. “I
lookedforyou,afterwards…”hemumbled.
Youlookedforme?Howhugelyfuckingnoble.Whatatruefriend.Precious
littlegooditdidme,draggedoffinagonywithmyleghackedtomincemeat.And
thatwasjustthebeginning.“Youdidnotcometodiscussoldtimes,West.”
“No…no,Ididn’t.Icameaboutmysister.”
Gloktapaused.Hehadcertainlynotexpectedthatanswer.“Ardee?”
“Ardee,yes.I’mleavingforAnglandsoonand…Iwashopingthat,perhaps,
youcouldkeepaneyeonherforme,whileI’maway.”West’seyesflickeredup
nervously.“Youalwayshadawaywithwomen…Sand.”Gloktagrimacedatthe
sound of his first name. No one called him that anymore. No one besides my
mother. “You always knew just what to say. Do you remember those three
sisters?Whatweretheirnames?Youhadthemalleatingoutofyourhand.”West
smiled,butGloktacouldn’t.
He remembered, but the memories were weak now, colourless, faded. The
memories of another man. A dead man. My life began in Gurkhul, in the
Emperorsprisons.Thememoriessincethenaremuchmorereal.Stretchedout
inbedlikeacorpseafterIcameback,inthedarkness,waitingforfriendswho
nevercame.HelookedatWest,andheknewthathisglancewasterriblycold.
Doyouthinktowinmewithyourhonestfaceandyourtalkofoldtimes?Likea
long-lostdog,atlastcomefaithfullyhome?Iknowbetter.Youstink,West.You
smelllikebetrayal.Thatmemoryatleastismine.
Gloktaleanedbackslowlyinhischair.“SanddanGlokta,”hemurmured,as
though recalling a name he once knew. “Whatever became of him, eh, West?
You know, that friend of yours, that dashing young man, handsome, proud,
fearless?Magictouchwiththewomen?Lovedandrespectedbyall,destinedfor
greatthings?Whereverdidhego?”
Westlookedback,puzzledandunsureofhimself,andsaidnothing.
Gloktalurchedtowardshim,handsspreadoutonthetable,lipscurlingback
toshowhisruinedmouth.“Dead!Hediedonthebridge!Andwhatremains?A
fucking ruin with his name! A limping, skulking shadow! A crippled ghost,
clingingtolifethewaythesmellofpissclingstoabeggar.Hehasnofriends,
this loathsome fucking remnant, and he wants none! Get you gone, West! Go
backto Varuz,andto Luthar,andthe restofthose emptybastards! There’sno
onehereyouknow!”Glokta’slipstrembledandspatwithrevulsion.Hewasn’t
surewhodisgustedhimmore—West,orhimself.
The Major blinked, his jaw muscles working silently. He got shakily to his
feet.“I’msorry,”hesaid,overhisshoulder.
“Tell me!” shouted Glokta, bringing him up short of the door. “The rest of
them, they stuck to me so long as I was useful, so long as I was going up. I
alwaysknew it.Iwasn’tso verysurprisedthey wantednothing todowith me
whenIcameback.Butyou,West,Ialwaysthoughtyouwereabetterfriendthan
that,abetterman.Ialwaysthoughtthatyouatleast—youalone—wouldcome
to visit me.” He shrugged. “I suppose I was wrong.” Glokta turned away,
frowningtowardsthefire,waitingforthesoundofthefrontdoorclosing.
“Shedidn’ttellyou?”
Gloktalookedback.“Who?”
“Yourmother.”
Hesnorted.“Mymother?Tellmewhat?”
“I did come. Twice. As soon as I learned that you were back, I came. Your
motherturnedmeawayatthegatesofyourestate.Shesaidthatyouweretooill
to take visitors, and that in any case you wanted nothing more to do with the
army,andnothing more todowithme in particular. I camebackagain, a few
monthslater.IthoughtIowedyouthatmuch.Thattimeaservantcametosee
meoff.LaterIheardthatyouhadjoinedtheInquisition,andleftforAngland.I
putyououtofmymind…untilwemet…thatnightinthecity…”Westtrailed
off.
It took a while for his words to sink in, and by the time they had, Glokta
realisedthathismouthwashangingopen.Sosimple.Noconspiracy.Nowebof
betrayal.Healmostwantedtolaughatthestupidityofit.Mymotherturnedhim
away at the gate, and I never thought to doubt that no one came. She always
hatedWest.Amostunsuitablefriend,farbeneathherpreciousson.Nodoubtshe
blamedhimforwhathappenedtome.Ishouldhaveguessed,butIwastoobusy
wallowing in pain and bitterness. Too busy being tragic. He swallowed. “You
came?”
Westshrugged.“Forwhatit’sworth.”
Well.Whatcanwedo,excepttrytodobetter?Gloktablinked,andtookadeep
breath. “Tm, er… I’m sorry. Forget what I said, if you can. Please. Sit down.
Youweresayingsomethingaboutyoursister.”
“Yes.Yes.Mysister.”Westfumbledhiswaybacktohisseat,lookingdownat
thefloor,hisfacetakingonthatworried,guiltylookagain.“We’releavingfor
Anglandsoon,andIdon’tknowwhenI’llbeback…orif,Isuppose…she’llbe
withoutanyfriendsinthecityand,well…Ithinkyoumetheronce,whenyou
cametoourhouse.”
“Ofcourse,andagooddealmorerecentlythanthat,infact.”
“Youdid?”
“Yes.Withourmutualfriend,CaptainLuthar.”
Westturnedevenpaler.Thereissomethingmoretothisthanheistellingme.
ButGloktadidnotfeellikeputtinghisclubfootthroughhisonefriendshipquite
yet,notsosoonafterithadbeenreborn.Hestayedquiet,andafteramomentthe
Majorwenton.
“Lifehasbeen…difficultforher.Icouldhavedonesomething.Ishouldhave
donesomething.”Hestaredmiserablydownatthetableandanuglyspasmran
acrosshisface.Iknowthatone.Oneofmyownfavourites.Self-loathing.“ButI
chosetoletotherthingsgetintheway,andIdidmybesttoforgetallaboutit,
andIpretendedthateverythingwasfine.ShehassufferedandIamtoblame.”
He coughed, then swallowed awkwardly. His lip began to tremble and he
covered his face with his hands. “My fault… if something were to happen to
her…” His shoulders shook silently, and Glokta raised his eyebrows. He was
usedtomencryinginhispresenceofcourse.ButIusuallyhaveatleasttoshow
themtheinstrumentsfirst.
“Come on, Collem, this isn’t like you.” He reached slowly across the table,
halfpulledhishandback,andthenpattedhissobbingfriendawkwardlyonthe
shoulder.“You’vemadesomemistakes,buthaven’tweall?They’reinthepast,
andcan’tbechanged.There’snothingtobedonenowexcepttodobetter,eh?”
What?Can it reallybeme talking?InquisitorGlokta, comforterofthe needy?
ButWestseemedreassured.Heliftedhishead,wipedhisrunnynose,staredup
hopefullyatGloktawithweteyes.
“You’reright,you’reright,ofcourse.Ihavetomakeamends.Haveto!Will
youhelpme,Sand?Willyoulookafterher,whileI’mgone?”
“I’ll do whatever I can for her, Collem, you can depend on me. I was once
proudtocallyoumyfriendand…Iwouldbeagain.”Strange,butGloktacould
almostfeelatearinhisowneye.Me?Canitbe?InquisitorGlokta,trustworthy
friend? Inquisitor Glokta, protector of vulnerable young women? He almost
laughedoutloudattheidea,andyetherehewas.Heneverwouldhavethought
thatheneededone,butitfeltgoodtohaveafriendagain.
“Hollit,”saidGlokta.
“What?”
“Those three sisters, their name was Hollit.” He chuckled to himself, the
memory filtering through a little clearer than before. “They had a thing about
fencing.Lovedit.Somethingaboutthesweat,maybe.”
“IthinkthatwaswhenIdecidedtotakeitup.”Westlaughed,thenscrewedup
his face as if he was trying to remember something. “What was our
quartermastersname?Hehadathingfortheyoungestone,wasoutofhismind
withjealousy.Whatthehellwasthatman’sname?Fatman.”
ThenamewasnotsoverydifficultforGloktatorecall.“Rews.SalemRews.”
“Rews,that’stheone!I’dforgottenallabouthim.Rews!Hecouldtellastory
likenooneelse,thatman.We’dsitupallnightlisteningtohim,allofusrolling
withlaughter!Whateverbecameofhim?”
Glokta paused for a moment. “I think he left the army… to become a
merchant of some sort.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I heard he moved
north.”
BacktotheMud
Carleonweren’tatallhowtheDogmanrememberedit,butthenhetendedto
remember it burning. A memory like that stays with you. Roofs falling in,
windows cracking, crowds of fighters everywhere, all drunk on pain and
winningand,well,drink—looting,killing,settingfires,alltheunpleasantrestof
it. Women screaming, men shouting, stinking with smoke and fear. In short, a
sack,withhimandLogenattheheartofit.
Bethodhadputthefiresoutandmadeithis.Movedin,thenstartedbuilding.
Hehadn’tgotfarwhenhekickedLogenandtheDogmanandtherestofthem
intoexile,buttheymusthavebeenbuildingeverydaysince.Itwastwiceasbig
nowasitusedtobe,evenbeforeitgotburned,coveringthewholehillandall
the slope down to the river. Bigger than Uffrith. Bigger than any city the
Dogmanhadseen.Fromwherehewas,upinthetreesontheothersideofthe
valley,youcouldn’tseethepeople,buttherehadtobeanawfullotofthemin
there.Threenewroadsleadingoutfromthegates.Twobignewbridges.New
buildings everywhere, and big ones where the small ones used to be. Lots of
them.Builtfromstone,mostly,slateroofs,glassinsomeofthewindowseven.
“Theybeenbusy,”saidThreetrees.
“Newwalls,”saidGrim.
“Lotsof’em,”mutteredtheDogman.Therewerewallsallover.Therewasa
big one round the outside, with proper towers and everything, and a big ditch
beyond it. There was an even bigger one round the top of the hill where
Skarling’sHallusedtostand.Hugegreatthing.Dogmancouldhardlyworkout
where they got all the stone for the building of it. “Biggest damn wall I ever
saw,”hesaid.
Threetreesshookhishead.“Idon’tlikeit.IfForleygetstook,wewon’tnever
gethimout.”
“IfForleygetstookthere’llbefiveofus,chief,andwe’llbelookedfor.He’s
nothreat tonoone, butwe are.Gettinghim out’llbe theleastof ourworries.
He’llmuddlethrough,likealways.Mostlikelyhe’lloutlivethelotofus.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” muttered Threetrees.“We’re in a dangerous line of
work.”
They slithered back through the brush, back to the camp. Black Dow was
there,lookingevenworse-temperedthanusual.TulDurutoo,workingatahole
inhiscoatwithaneedle,faceallscrewedupashisgreatthickfingersfumbled
withthelittlesplinterofmetal.Forleywassatnearhim,lookingupatthesky
throughtheleaves.
“HowyoufeelingForley?”askedtheDogman.
“Bad,butyougottohavefeartohavecourage.”
Dogmangrinnedathim.“SoIheard.Reckonwe’rebothheroesthen,eh?”
“Mustbe,”hesaid,grinningback.
Threetreeswasallbusiness.“Yousureaboutthis,Forley?Sureyouwanttogo
inthere?Onceyougetin,theremightbenogettingout,nomatterhowgooda
talkery’are.”
“I’msure.Imaybeshittin’myself,butI’mgoing.Icandomoregoodthere
thanIcanouthere.Someone’sgottowarn’emabouttheShanka.Youknowit,
chief.Whoelseisthere?”
Theoldboynoddedtohimself,slowasthesunrising.Takinghismoment,as
always.“Aye.Alright.Tell’emI’mwaitinghere,bytheoldbridge.Tell’emI’m
alone.JustincaseBethoddecidesyou’renotwelcome,youunderstand?”
“I get it. You’re on your own, Threetrees. It was just the two of us made it
backoverthemountains.”
They’dallgatherednow,andForleysmiledroundat’em.“Wellthen,lads,it’s
beensomethingain’tit?”
“Shut up, Weakest,” scowled Dow. “Bethod ain’t got nothing against you.
You’recomingback.”
“Incase Idon’t,though.It’sbeensomething.”TheDogmannoddedtohim,
awkward.Itwasthesamedirty,scarred-upfacesasusual,butgrimmerthanever.
Noneof’emlikedlettingoneoftheirownputhimselfindanger,butForleywas
right,someonehadtodoit,andhewasthebestsuited.Sometimesweaknessisa
bettershieldthan strength, the Dogman reckoned. Bethod was an evil bastard,
buthewasacleverone.TheShankawerecoming,andheneededthewarning.
Hopefully,he’dbegratefulforit.
Theywalkedtogether,downtotheedgeofthetrees,lookingouttowardsthe
path.Itcrossedovertheoldbridgeandwounddownintothevalley.Fromthere
tothegatesofCarleon.IntoBethod’sfortress.
Forley took a deep breath, and the Dogman clapped him on his shoulder.
“Luck,Forley.Goodluck.”
“Andtoyou.”HesqueezedDogman’shandinhisforaminute.“Toallofyou
lads,eh?”andheturnedandmarchedofftowardsthebridge,withhisheadup
high.
“Luck,Forley!”shoutedBlackDow,startlingthemall.
Heturnedroundforaminute,theWeakest,stoodontopofthebridge,andhe
grinned.Thenhewasgone.
Threetreestookadeepbreath.“Weapons,”hesaid,“justincaseBethoddon’t
wanttohearsense.Andwaitforthesignal,eh?”
Itseemedalongtimewaiting,upintheleaves,stayingquietandstill,looking
down at all them new walls. The Dogman lay on his belly, bow near at hand,
watching,waiting,wonderinghowForleywasdoinginthere.Along,tensetime.
Thenhesawthem.Horsemencomingoutthenearestgate,ridingoveroneofthe
newbridges,crossing the river.They’d got acartatthe back. Dogman wasn’t
surewhythey’dhaveacart,buthedidn’tlikeitany.NosignofForley,andhe
wasn’tsurewhetherthatwasagoodthingorabad.
Theycamequick,spurringupthesideofthevalley,upthesteeppathtowards
thetreesandthestreamandtheoldstonebridgeacrossit.RightattheDogman.
Hecouldhearthehoovesthumpingonthedirt.Closeenoughtocountnow,and
takeagoodlookat.Spears,shieldsandgoodarmour.Helmetsandmail.Tenof
’em,andtwootherssittingonthecart,eithersideofthedriver,carryingsome
sortsof thingsthatlooked likelittlebows onblocks of wood.He didn’tknow
whattheywereabout,andhedidn’tlikenotknowing.Hewastheonewantedto
begivingthemthesurprises.
He wriggled back through the brush on his stomach, sloshed through the
streamandhurriedtotheedgeofthetrees,wherehecouldgetagoodviewof
theoldbridge.Threetrees,TulandDowwerestandingroundthenearsideofit,
and he waved over to them. Couldn’t see Grim, he must’ve been off in the
woodsawaybeyond.Hemadethesignforhorsemen,helduphisfisttosayten,
handflatonhischesttosayarmour.
Dowtookuphisswordandaxe,ranupintoabunchofbrokenrocks,highup
besidethebridge,keepinglowandquiet.Tulsliddownthebankintothestream,
luckilynomorethanknee-deeprightthen,plasteredhisbigselfagainstthefar
side of the arch with his great long sword held up above the water. Made the
Dogmanabitnervous,hecouldseeTulsoclearfromwherehewassitting.Still,
theriderswouldn’tseehimatalliftheycamestraightupthepath.They’donly
be expecting one man alone, and Dogman hoped they wouldn’t come too
careful.Hehoped,’causeiftheytookthetimetocheckit’dbeafuckingdisaster.
HewatchedThreetreesstraphisshieldonhisarm,drawhissword,stretchhis
neckout,thenhejuststood,waiting,bigandsolid,blockingthepathonthenear
sideofthebridge,seemingallaloneintheworld.
The Dogman could hear the hoof-beats loud now, and the clattering of the
cart’swheelsoutbeyondthetrees.Hepulledoutafewarrowsandplantedthem
in the earth, point down, where he could get to ’em quick. Doing his best to
swallowhisfear.Hisfingerswereshakingallthewhile,butthatdidn’tmatter.
They’dworkalrightwhentheyneededto.
“Waitforthesignal,”hewhisperedtohimself.“Waitforthesignal.”
He nocked a shaft to his bow and half-drew the string, taking aim down
towardsthebridge.Damnitbutheneededtopissbad.
The first spear-point showed itself over the crest of the hill, then others.
Bobbing helmets, mailed chests, horses’ faces, bit by bit the riders came up
towards the bridge. The cart rolled behind, with its driver and its two funny
passengers,pulledbyabigshaggycarthorse.
TheriderupfrontsawThreetreesnow,waitingforhim,overthehumpofthe
bridge, and he spurred on forward. The Dogman breathed a little easier as the
otherstrottedafterhiminaclump,alleagerness.Forleymust’vesaidashewas
told—they were expecting only one. Dogman could see Tul peering up from
underneath the mossy arch as the horses clopped above him. By the dead, his
handswereshaking.Hewasworriedhe’dletthearrowflyhalf-drawnandruin
thewholething.
Thecartstoppedonthefarbank,thetwomenonitstoodupandpointedtheir
strangebowsatThreetrees.TheDogmangothimselfaniceaimononeof’em,
anddrewthestringbackalltheway.Mostoftheriderswereonthebridgeby
now,horsesshyingandstirringabout,unhappyatbeingpackedinsotight.The
oneatthefrontreinedupinfrontofThreetrees,spearpointingathim.Theold
boydidn’tbackawayastep,though.Nothim.Hejustfrownedup,notgivingthe
ridersanyroomtogetaroundhim,keeping’emchokeduponthebridge.
“Well, well,” the Dogman heard their leader saying. “Rudd Threetrees. We
thought you was long dead, old man.” He knew the voice. One of Bethod’s
Carls,fromwayback.Bad-Enoughtheycalledhim.
“Reckon I’ve got a fight or two left in me,” said Threetrees, still giving no
ground.
Bad-Enoughtookalookabouthim,squintingintothetrees,senseenoughto
see he was in a poor position, but not too careful. “Where’s the rest of you?
Where’sthatfuckerDow,eh?”
Threetreesshrugged.“There’sjustme.”
“Back to the mud, eh?” The Dogman could just see Bad-Enough grinning
underhishelmet.“Shame.HopedI’dbetheonetokillthatdirtybastard.”
Dogmanwinced,halfexpectingDowtocomeflyingoutofthoserocksright
then,buttherewasnosignofhim.Notyet.Waitingforthesignal,foronce.
“Where’sBethod?”askedThreetrees.
“TheKingdon’tcomeoutforthelikesofyou!Anyhow,he’soffinAngland,
kickingtheUnion’sarses.PrinceCalderstakingcareofthingswhilehe’sgone.”
Threetrees snorted. “Prince is it, now? I remember him sucking on his
motherstit.Hecouldscarcelydothatright.”
“Alot’schanged,oldman.Allkindofthings.”
Bythedead,Dogmanwaswishingthey’dgetonwithit,onewayoranother.
He could hardly keep the piss in. “Wait for the signal,” he was mouthing to
himself,justtotryandkeephishandssteady.
“TheFlatheadsareeverywhere,”Threetreeswassaying.“They’llbecoming
southbynextsummer,soonermaybe.Somethingneedsdoing.”
“Well, whydon’t you comewithus, eh?You canwarn Calder yourself.We
broughtacart,foryoutoridein.Manofyourageshouldn’thavetowalk.”A
coupleoftheotherriderslaughedatthat,butThreetreesdidn’tjoin’em.
“Where’sForley?”hegrowled.“Where’stheWeakest?”
Therewasmoresniggeringfromthehorsemen.“Oh,he’snearby,”saidBad-
Enough,“he’srealclose.Whydon’tyougetinthecart,andwe’lltakeyouright
tohim.ThenwecanallsitroundandtalkaboutFlatheads,niceandpeaceful.”
TheDogmandidn’tlikethis.Notatall.He’dgotanastyfeeling.“Youmust
take me for some new kind o’ fool,” said Threetrees. “I’m going nowhere ’til
I’veseenForley.”
Bad-Enoughfrownedatthat.“You’reinnostatetobetellinguswhatyou’ll
do.Youmighthavebeenthebigmanonce,butyou’recometolessthannothing,
andthat’safact.NowgiveupyourbladeandgetinthefuckingcartlikeItold
you,beforeIlosemytemper.”
He tried to nudge his horse forward again but Threetrees wasn’t budging.
“Where’sForley?”hegrowled.“AndI’llhaveastraightanswerorI’llhaveyour
guts.”
Bad-Enough grinned over his shoulder at his mates, and they grinned back.
“Alright, old man, since you’re asking. Calder wanted us to wait for this, but
I’vegottoseethelookonyourface.TheWeakest’sinthecart.Leastways,most
of him is.” He smiled and let something drop from his saddle. A canvas sack,
withsomethinginit.Dogmancouldguessalreadywhatitwas.Ithittheground
nearThreetrees’ feet. The something rolledout,andthe Dogman could see on
theoldboy’sfacethathe’dguessedright.Forley’shead.
Wellthatwasit,o’course.Fuckthesignal.Dogman’sfirstarrowstuckoneof
themenonthecartrightthroughhischest,andhescreamedandtumbledover
intotheback,draggingthedriverwithhim.Itwasagoodshot,buttherewasno
time to think on that, he was far too busy fumbling for another arrow, and
shouting. Didn’t even know what he was shouting, just that he was. Grim
must’vebeenshootingaswell,oneoftheCarlsonthebridgegaveayell,felloff
hishorseandsplashedintothestream.
Threetreeswasdowninacrouch,hidingbehindhisshield,backingoffwhile
Bad-Enoughproddedathimwithhisspear,kickinghishorseoffthebridgeand
ontothepathonourside.
The rider behind pushed around the side of him, keen to get off the bridge,
comingclosebesidetherocks.
“Fuckingbastards!”Dowflewoutofthestonesabovehim,barrelledintothe
rider. They tumbled down together, a mess of limbs and weapons, but the
DogmancouldseethatDowwasontop.Hisaxewentupanddownacoupleof
times,quick.Onelesstoworryon.
Dogman’ssecondarrowwentwellwideofthemark,hewassobusyshouting
hisheadoff,butitstuckoneofthehorsesintherump,andthatturnedoutbetter
than anything. It started rearing and thrashing about, and soon all the horses
were milling and crying while their riders cursed and bumbled around, spears
goingeverywhichway,noiseandmessonallsides.
The horseman at the back split in half, all of a sudden, blood spraying
everywhere.TheThunderheadhadcomeupfromthestream,gotroundbehind
them.There’snoarmourthatcouldstopablowlikethat.Thegiantroaredand
swungthegreatlengthofbloodymetaloverhisheadagain.Thenextinlinegot
hisshieldupintime,buthemightaswellnothavebothered.Thebladehackeda
bigchunkoutofit,torehisheadopenandhammeredhimoutofthesaddle.The
blowwasthatstrongitclubbedthehorsedowntoo.
Oneofthemhadgothismountturnednow,bringinguphisspeartostabat
Tul from the side. Before he could he grunted and jerked, arching his back.
Dogmancouldseethefeathersstickingfromhisside.Grimmust’veshothim,
andhetumbleddown.Hisfootcaughtinthestirrupandhehungthere,swinging.
He was groaning and moaning and trying to right himself, but his horse was
plunging now along with the others, making him dance, wrong way up,
smacking his head against the side of the bridge. He dropped his spear in the
stream,triedtopullhimselfup,thenhishorsehalflandedakickonhisshoulder
andknockedhimfree.HewentdownunderthemillinghoovesandtheDogman
paidhimnomoremind.
The second archer was still sitting up on the cart. He was getting over his
shock now, and lining up his funny bow on Threetrees, still squatting down
behindhisshield.Dogmanshotathimbuthewashurrying,andyelling,andhis
shaftmissedandhitthedriverbesidehiminhisshoulder,justgotupfromthe
backofthecart,knockedhimbackdownagain.
The weird bow twanged and Threetrees jerked back from his shield. The
Dogman was worried for a minute, then he saw that the arrow split the heavy
woodandpunchedonthrough,butstoppedjustshortofcatchingThreetreesin
theface. Itwaslodged there throughhis shield, featherssticking outoneside,
pointouttheother.That’sanevillittlebow,Dogmanthought.
He heard Tul roar and saw another rider fly off into the stream. Another
dropped with one of Grim’s arrows in his back. Dow turned and chopped the
backlegs out fromunderBad-Enough’shorse withhissword, anditstumbled
andslid,pitchinghimoffontotheground.Thelastcoupleweretrapped.Dow
and Threetrees at one end of the bridge, Tul at the other, too tight with
frightened,riderlesshorsesforthemtoturnaroundornothing,atthemercyof
Grimoutinthewoods.Hewasn’tinamercifulmood,itseemed,anditdidn’t
takehimlongtopick’emoff.
Theonewiththebowtriedtomakeabreakforit,chuckinghisbitofwood
awayandjumpingdownfromthecart.Dogmanthoughtniceandcarefulabout
hisaimingthistime,andhisshaftgotthearcherrightbetweentheshouldersand
knockedhimonhisfacebeforehecouldgetmorethanafewpaces.Hehadago
atcrawling,buthewasn’tcrawlingfar.Thedriverofthecartshowedhisface
again,groaning and grabbingatthe arrowinhis shoulder.TheDogmandidn’t
usuallykillmenthatweredown,buthereckonedtodaywasanexception.His
arrowgotthedriverthroughthemouth,andthatwashimdealtwith.
Dogmancouldseeoneoftheriderslimpingaway,oneofGrim’sarrowsinhis
leg,andlinedhimupwithhislastshaft.Threetreesgottherefirstthough,and
stuckhimthroughthebackwithhissword.Therewasanotheronestillmoving,
strugglinguptohisknees,andtheDogmantookanaimonhim.Beforehecould
loose,Dowsteppedupandhackedhisheadoff.Bloodeverywhere.Horsesstill
milling,screaming,slippingontheslickstonesofthebridge.
DogmancouldseeBad-Enoughnow,thelastonegoing.Hemust’velosthis
helmetwhenhefelloffhishorse.Hewasstrugglinginthestreamonhishands
andknees,slowedupbyallthatweightofmail.He’ddroppedhisshield,andhis
spear,tomakebettertimerunningforit,buthehadn’trealisedhewascoming
rightattheDogman.
“Gethimalive!”shoutedThreetrees.Tulsetoffdownonebank,buthewas
makingslowprogress,slippingandslidinginthemudthecartchurnedup.“Get
him alive!” Dow was after him too, splashing and cursing in the water. Bad-
Enough was close now. The Dogman could hear his scared gasping as he
struggleddownthestream.
“Aah!” he howled as Dogman’s arrow thudded into his leg, just below the
bottomofhismailcoat.Hetoppledsidewaysontothebank,bloodleakinginto
themuddywater.Hestarteddragginghimselfupthewetturfbesidethestream.
“That’sit,Dogman,”shoutedThreetrees.“Alive!”
The Dogman slid out the trees and down the bank, through the water. He
pulledhisknifeout.TulandDowwerestillalittlewaysoff,hurryingtowards
him.Bad-Enoughrolledoverinthemud,hisfacescrewedupwiththepainof
thearrowinhisleg.Heheldhishandsup.“Alright,alright,I’llgurrr—”
“You’llwhat?”askedtheDogman,lookingdownathim.
“Gurrr—”hesaidagain,lookingmightilysurprised,handgrippedtohisneck.
Therewasbloodpouringoutbetweenhisfingers,downthefrontofhiswetmail.
Dowsplashedupbesidethemandstoodthere,lookingdown.“Wellthat’sthe
endofthat,”hesaid.
“Whatyoudothatfor?”shoutedThreetrees,hurryingover.
“Eh?”askedtheDogman.Thenhelookeddownathisknife.Itwasallbloody.
“Ah.”That’swhenhesawitwashimashadcutBad-Enough’sthroat.
“Wecouldhaveaskedhimquestions!”saidThreetrees.“Hecouldhavetooka
messagebacktoCalder,toldhimwhodidthis,andwhy!”
“Wake up, chief,” muttered Tul Duru, already wiping his sword down. “No
one cares a shit for the old ways no more. Besides, they’ll be after us soon
enough.Nopointletting’emknowmorethanwehaveto.”
Dow clapped the Dogman on the shoulder. “You were right to do it. This
bastard’s head’ll do for a message.” Dogman wasn’t sure Dow’s approval was
somethinghewasafter,butitwasabitlatenow.IttookDowacoupleofchops
togetBad-Enough’sheadoff.Hecarriedit,swingingbyitshair,withaslittle
careorworryashe’dcarryabagofturnips.Hegrabbedaspearoutofthestream
onhisway,foundaspotheliked.
“Thingsain’tthewaytheyusedtobe,”Threetreeswasmutteringashestrode
offdownthebanktowardsthebridge,whereGrimwasalreadypickingoverthe
bodies.
The Dogman followed him, watching Dow stick Bad-Enough’s head on the
spear, shoving the blunt end into the ground, stepping back, hands on hips, to
admirehiswork.Heshifteditabittotheright,thenbacktotheleft,untilhe’d
gotitniceandstraight.HegrinnedoverattheDogman.
“Perfect,”hesaid.
“Whatnow,chief?”Tulwasasking.“Whatnow?”
Threetreeswasstoopingdownonthebank,washinghisbloodyhandsinthe
river.
“Whatdowedo?”askedDow.
The old boy stood up slowly, wiped his hands on his coat, taking his time
thinkingonit.“South.WeburyForleyontheway.Wetake thesehorses here,
sincethey’llbecomingafterusnow,andweheadsouth.Tul,youbetterunhitch
thatcarthorse,he’stheonlyoneas’llcarryyou.”
“South?”askedtheThunderhead,lookingconfused,“southtowhere?”
“Angland.”
“Angland?” asked the Dogman, and he could tell they were all thinking it.
“Forwhat?Ain’ttheyfightingdownthere?”
“Coursetheyare,that’swhyI’veamindtogo.”
Dowfrowned.“Us?WhathavewegotagainsttheUnion?”
“No,fool,”saidThreetrees,“I’veamindtofightalongwith’em.”
“WiththeUnion?”askedTul,hislipcurlingup,“withthosebloodywomen?
Thatain’tourfight,chief.”
“Any fight against Bethod is my fight now. I mean to see the end of him.”
Oncehe’dthoughtonit,theDogmanhadneveryetseenThreetreeschangehis
mind.Neveronce.“Who’swithme?”heasked.
Theyallwere.Course.
Itwasraining.Thinrain,makingthewholeworlddamp.Softasamaiden’s
kiss,astheysay,thoughtheDogmancouldhardlyrememberwhatoneofthose
felt like. Rain. Seemed right somehow, for the occasion. Dow was done with
pilingthedirt,andhesniffedanddugthespadedownintotheearthbesidethe
grave.
Itwasalongwayfromtheroad.Agoodlongway.Theydidn’twantnoone
findingitanddiggingForleyup.Theyallgatheredround,justfivenow,looking
down. It was a long time since they’d had anyone to bury among them. The
Shanka got Logen o’ course, not too long ago, but they never had found the
body. There might have been just one less in the band, but it seemed to the
Dogmanliketherewasalotmissing.
Threetreesfrowned,takingamoment,thinkingoutwhattosay.Itwasjustas
wellhewasthechief,andhadtofindthewords,’causeDogmandidn’treckon
hecouldhavefoundathing.AfteraminuteThreetreesstartedspeaking,slowas
thelightfadingatsunset.
“Thiswasaweakman,here.TheWeakest,that’safact.Thatwashisname,
andain’tthatajoke?TocallamantheWeakest. Theworstfightertheycould
find,tosurrendertoNinefingers.Weakfighter,nodoubt,butstrongheart,sayI.”
“Aye,”saidGrim.
“Strongheart,”saidTulDuru.
“Thestrongest,”mumbledtheDogman.Hehadabitofalumpinthethroat,
beinghonest.
Threetreesnoddedtohimself.“Ittakessomebonestomeetyourdeathaswell
ashedid.Towalktoit,withnocomplaint.Toaskforit.Andnotforhisown
sake,butforothers,thathedidn’tevenknow.”Threetreesclenchedhisteethand
tookhismoment,lookingdownattheearth.Theyalldid.“That’sallI’vegotto
say.Back tothe mudwith you,Forley. We’re thepoorer, andthe ground’s the
richerforit.”
Dowkneltdown,andsethishandonthefresh-turnedsoil.“Backtothemud,”
hesaid.TheDogmanthoughtforaminutetheremightbeateardrippingoffhis
nose,butithadtobeonlytherain.ThiswasBlackDow,afterall.Hegotupand
walkedawaywithhisheaddownandtheothersfollowedhim,onebyone,off
towardthehorses.
“Fareyouwell,Forley,”saidtheDogman.“Nomorefear.”
Hereckonednowthathewasthecowardoftheband.
Misery
Jezalfrowned.Ardeewastakinghertime.Shenevertookhertime.Shewas
alwaystherewhenhearrived,atwhateverspothadbeenarranged.Hedidn’tlike
having to wait for her one bit. He always had to wait for her letters, and that
rankledasitwas.Standingherelikeanidiot,itmadehimfeelevenmoreofa
slavethanhedidalready.
Hefrownedupatthegreyskies.Therewereafewspotsofrainfalling,justto
matchhismood.Hefeltonefromtimetotime,atinypinprickonhisface.He
couldseethedropsmakingcirclesinthegreysurfaceofthelake,makingpale
streaksagainstthegreenofthetrees,thegreyofthebuildings.Thedarkshapeof
theHouseoftheMakerwasrenderedhazybythem.Hefrownedatthatbuilding
withparticulardispleasure.
Hehardlyknewwhattomakeofitnow.Thewholethinghadbeenlikesome
feverishnightmareand,likeanightmare,hehaddecidedsimplytoignoreit,and
pretenditneverhappened.Hemighthavesucceededtoo,exceptthatthebloody
thingwasalwaysloomingontheedgeofhisvision,wheneverhesteppedoutof
thedoor,remindinghimtheworldwasfullofmysterieshedidnotunderstand,
seethingjustbelowthesurface.
“Damnit,”hemuttered,“anddamnthatlunatic,Bayaz,aswell.”
Hefrownedacrossthedamplawns.Therainwaskeepingpeopleawayfrom
thepark,anditwasemptierthanhehadseenitinalongtime.Acoupleofsad-
lookingmensatlistlesslyonbenches,nursingtheirownpersonaltragedies,and
therewerepassers-byonthepaths,hurryingfromsomewheretowherever.One
wascomingtowardshimnow,wrappedupinalongcloak.
Jezal’sfrownvanished.Itwasher,hecouldtell.Shehadherhoodpulledright
down over her face. He knew it was a cold day, but this seemed a touch
dramatic.Hehadneverthoughtshewasthetypetobeputoffbyafewspotsof
rain. Still, he was glad to see her. Ridiculously glad. He smiled and hastened
forward. Then, when they were a couple of paces apart, she pushed the hood
back.
Jezal gasped with horror. There was a great purple bruise across her cheek,
aroundher eye,thecorner ofhermouth! Hestoodthere frozenfora moment,
wishing,stupidly,thathewashurtinsteadofher.Thepainwouldhavebeenless.
Herealisedhe’dclampedonehandoverhismouth,eyesbulginglikeanervous
littlegirlataspiderinthebath,buthecouldn’tstophimself.
Ardeeonlyscowled.“What?Didyouneverseeabruisebefore?”
“Well,yes,but…areyoualright?”
“OfcourseIam.”Shesteppedaroundhimandstartedwalkingoffdownthe
path.Hehad to hurry to catchherup.“It’s nothing.Ifellis all. I’m a clumsy
fool.Alwayshavebeen.Allmylife.”Shesaiditwithsomebitterness,itseemed
tohim.
“IsthereanythingIcando?”
“Whatcouldyoudo?Kissitbetter?”Ifthey’dbeenalonehewouldn’thave
mindedtrying,butherfrownshowedhimwhatshethoughtofthatidea.Itwas
strange:thebruisesshouldhaverepelledhim,buttheydidn’t.Notatall.Rather,
hehadanalmostoverpoweringurgetotakeherinhisarms,tostrokeherhair,to
murmur soothing words. Pathetic. Probably she would slap him if he tried.
Probably he would deserve it. She didn’t need his help. Besides, he couldn’t
touchher.Therewerepeoplearound,damnthem,eyeseverywhere.Younever
knewwhomightbewatching.Thethoughtmadehimmorethanalittlenervous.
“Ardee…aren’twetakingarisk?Imean,whatifyourbrotherwereto—”
Shesnorted.“Forgetabouthim.Hewon’tdoanything.I’vetoldhimtokeep
his nose out of my business.” Jezal had to smile. He imagined that must have
beenquiteanamusingscene.“Besides,Ihearthatyou’reallleavingforAngland
on the next tide, and I could hardly let you go without saying goodbye, now
couldI?”
“Iwouldn’thavedonethat!”hesaid,horrifiedagain.Ithurtjusthearingher
saythewordgoodbye.“Imean,well,I’dhaveletthemsailwithoutmebeforeI
would’vedonethat!”
“Huh.”
Theywalkedalonginsilenceforamoment,skirtingthelake,bothwiththeir
eyesonthegravel.Itwashardlythebitter-sweetfarewellthathehadpicturedso
far. Just bitter. They passed among the trunks of some willow trees, their
branches trailing in the water below. It was a secluded spot, screened from
pryingeyes.Jezalreckonedhewasunlikelytofindonebetterforwhathehadto
say.Heglancedsidewaysather,andtookadeepbreath.
“Ardee,er,Idon’tknowhowlongwe’llbeaway.Imean,Isupposeitcould
bemonths…”Hechewedathistoplip.Itwasnotcomingoutatallashehad
hoped.Hehadpractisedthisspeechtwentytimesatleast,staringinhismirror
until he got just the right expression: serious, confident, slightly wheedling.
Now, though, the words came out in a foolish rush. “I hope that, I mean,
perhaps,Ihopethatyou’llwaitforme?”
“I daresay I’ll still be here. I’ve nothing else to do. But don’t worry, you’ll
have a lot to think about in Angland—war, honour, glory and all that. You’ll
soonforgetaboutme.”
“No!”heshouted,catchingholdofherarm.“NoIwon’t!”Hepulledhishand
awayquickly,worriedsomeonemightsee.Atleastshewaslookingathimnow,
somewhatsurprised,maybe,athowfiercehisdenialhadbeen—thoughnothalf
assurprisedashewas.
Jezalblinkeddownather.Aprettygirlcertainly,buttoodark,tootanned,too
cleverbyhalf,simplydressedwithnojewels,andwithagreatuglybruiseacross
her face. She would hardly have excited much comment in the officers mess.
Howwasitthatsheseemedtohimthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld?The
PrincessTerezwasanunwasheddogbesideher.Thecleverwordsleakedoutof
hismindandhespokewithoutthinking,lookingherstraightintheeye.Maybe
thiswaswhathonestyfeltlike.
“Look,Ardee,Iknow you think I’m an ass and,well,IdaresayI am, but I
don’tplanalwaystobeone.Idon’tknowwhyyouevenlookatme,andIdon’t
knowmuchaboutthissortofthingbut,well…Ithinkaboutyouallthetime.I
hardly think about anything else any more.” He took another deep breath. “I
think…” He glanced around again, just to check that no one was watching. “I
thinkIloveyou!”
She spluttered with laughter. “You really are an ass,” she said. Despair. He
was utterly crushed. He couldn’t breathe for disappointment. His face screwed
up,hisheaddroopedandhestareddownattheground.Thereweretearsinhis
eyes.Actualtears.Pitiful.“ButI’llwait.”Joy.Itswelledinhischestandburst
outinalittlegirlishsob.Hewashelpless.Itwasridiculousthepowershehad
overhim.Thedifferencebetweenmiseryandhappinesswastherightwordfrom
her.Shelaughedagain.“Lookatyou,youfool.”
Shereachedupandtouchedhisface,rubbedatearfromhischeekwithher
thumb.“I’llwait,”shesaid,andshesmiledathim.Thatcrookedsmile.
The people had faded, the park, the city, the world. Jezal stared down at
Ardee,forhowlonghecouldnothavesaid,tryingtostampeverydetailofher
faceintohismind.Hehadafeeling,forsomereason,thatthememoryofthat
smilemighthavetogethimthroughalot.
Thedockswereheavingwithactivity,evenforthedocks.Thewharvesboiled
with people, the air shook and rattled with their din. Soldiers and supplies
poured endlessly up the slippery gangways and onto the ships. Crates were
hauled, barrels were rolled, hundreds of horses were dragged and pushed and
kickedaboard,eyesbulging,mouthsfrothing.Mengruntedandgroaned,heaved
atwetropes,strainedatwetbeams,sweatingandshoutinginthespittingrain,
slippingaroundontheslickdecks,runninghereandthereinepicconfusion.
Everywhere people embraced, kissed, waved to each other. Wives saying
goodbye to husbands, mothers to sons, children to fathers, all equally
bedraggled.Someputabravefaceonit,someweptandwailed.Othersdidnot
care:spectatorscomesimplytowitnessthemadness.
It all meant nothing to Jezal, leaning on the weathered rail of the ship that
wouldcarryhimtoAngland.Hewassunkinaterriblegloom,noserunning,hair
plastered to his scalp with wet. Ardee was not there, and yet she was
everywhere.Hewouldhearhervoiceabovethedin,callinghisname.Hewould
glimpseher outofthe cornerofhis eye,looking athim,and hisbreathwould
catchinhisthroat.Hewouldsmile,half-raisehishandtowave,thenhewould
seeitwasnother.Someotherdark-hairedwoman,smilingatsomeothersoldier.
Hisshoulderswouldslumpagain.Eachtimethedisappointmentwassharper.
He realised now that he had made a terrible mistake. Why the hell had he
askedhertowait for him? Waitfor what? He could not marryher,thatwas a
fact.Impossible.Butthethoughtofherevenlookingatanothermanmadehim
feelsick.Hewaswretched.
Love.Hehatedtoadmitit,butithadtobe.Hehadalwaysregardedthewhole
notion with contempt. A stupid word. A word for bad poets to harp on, and
foolish women to chatter about. A thing found in childish stories and with no
relevancetotherealworld,whererelationshipsbetweenmenandwomenwere
simplemattersoffuckingandmoney.Yetherehewas,miredinahorriblebogof
fearandguilt,lustandconfusion,lossandpain.Love.Whatacurse.
“I’dliketoseeArdee,”murmuredKaspa,wistfully.
Jezalturnedtostareathim.“What?Whatdidyousay?”
“It’s quite a sight to see,” said the Lieutenant, holding his hands up, “that’s
all.” Everyone was a little careful around him since that card game, as if he
mightblowupatanymoment.
Jezal turned sullenly back to the crowds. There was some kind of a
commotiondownbelowthem.Asinglehorsemanwasforcinghiswaythrough
thechaos,spurringawell-latheredhorsewithfrequentshoutsof“Move!”Even
intherain,thewingsontheridershelmetglittered.AKnightHerald.
“Badnewsforsomeone,”murmuredKaspa.
Jezalnodded.“Lookslikeus.”Hewasindeedmakingdirectlyfortheirship,
leaving a trail of bemused and angry soldiers and workmen behind him. He
swungoutofthesaddleandstrodepurposefullyupthegangplanktowardsthem,
facegrim,bright-polishedarmourcoveredwithmoistureandjinglingwithevery
step.
“CaptainLuthar?”heasked.
“Yes,”saidJezal,“I’llfetchtheColonel.”
“Noneed.Mymessageisforyou.”
“Itis?”
“High Justice Marovia requires your presence at his offices. Immediately. It
wouldbebestifyoutookmymount.”
Jezalfrowned.Hedidnotlikethetasteofthisatall.Therewasnoreasonthat
hecouldseeforaKnightHeraldtobebringingmessagestohim,exceptthathe
had been inside the House of the Maker. He wanted nothing more to do with
that.Hewanted it in thepast,forgotten, along with Bayaz, andhisNorthman,
andthatdisgustingcripple.
“TheHighJusticeiswaiting,Captain.”
“Yes,ofcourse.”Itseemedtherewasnothingtobedone.
“Ah,CaptainLuthar!Anhonourtoseeyouagain!”Jezalwashardlysurprised
torunintothemadmanSulfur,evenhereoutsidetheofficesoftheHighJustice.
Henolongerevenseemedamadman,justanotherpartofaworldgoneentirely
mad.“Anabsolutehonour!”hefrothed.
“Likewise,”saidJezalnumbly.
“I’msoluckyIcaughtyou,whatwithbothofusleavingsosoon!Mymaster
has all manner of errands for me.” He gave a deep sigh. “Never the slightest
peace,eh?”
“No,Iknowwhatyoumean.”
“Still,an honourindeedto seeyou,and victoriousatthe Contest!I saw the
wholething,youknow,itwasaprivilegetobearwitness.”Hesmiledbroadly,
differentcolouredeyes glittering. “And tothink,you were set on givingitup.
Hah!Butyoustuckatit,justasIsaidyouwould!Yesyoudid,andnowyoureap
therewards!TheedgeoftheWorld,”hewhisperedsoftly,asthoughtosaythe
wordsoutloudwastoinvitedisaster.“TheedgeoftheWorld.Canyouimagine?
Ienvyyou,indeedIdo!”
Jezalblinked.“What?”
“What!Hah!‘What’,hesays!Youaredauntless,sir!Dauntless!”AndSulfur
strodeoffacrossthewetSquareofMarshals,chucklingtohimself.Jezalwasso
bemusedthathehadnoteventhepresenceofmindtocallhimadamnidiotonce
hewasoutofearshot.
One of Marovia’s many clerks ushered him through an empty, echoing
hallwaytowardsapairofenormousdoors.Hestoppedbeforethem,knocked.At
anansweringcryheturnedthehandleandpulledoneofthedoorsback,standing
asidepolitelyforJezaltopassthrough.
“Youmaygoin,”hesaidquietly,aftertheyhadbeenstoodthereforawhile.
“Yes,yes,ofcourse.”
The cavernous chamber beyond was eerily silent. Furniture was strangely
sparse in that huge, panelled space, and what there was seemed oversized, as
though for the use of people much bigger than Jezal. It gave him the distinct
feelingthathewasarrivingathisowntrial.
High Justice Marovia sat behind an enormous table, its surface polished to
mirrorbrightness,smilingatJezalwithakindly, ifslightly pityingexpression.
Marshal Varuz was seated to his left, staring down guiltily at his own blurry
reflection.Jezalhadnotthoughthecouldfeelmoredepressed,butonseeingthe
thirdmemberofthegroupherealisedhehadbeenwrong.Bayaz,wearingaself-
satisfiedsmirk. Hefelta mildsurgeof panicas thedoorshut behindhim:the
clickingofthelatchfeltliketheclankoftheheavyboltonaprisoncell.
Bayazstartedupfromhischairandcameroundthetable.“CaptainLuthar,I
amsogladyoucouldjoinus.”TheoldmantookJezal’sdamphandinbothof
hisandsqueezeditfirmly,leadinghimforwardintotheroom.“Thankyoufor
coming.Thankyouindeed.”
“Er,ofcourse.”Asifhehadbeengivenachoice.
“Well now, you’re probably wondering what this is all about. Allow me to
explain.” He stepped back and perched on the edge of the table, like a kindly
uncleholdingforthtoachild.“Iandafewbravecompanions—chosenpeople,
you understand, people of quality—are engaging on a great journey! An epic
voyage! A grand adventure! I have little doubt that, should we be successful,
there will be stories told of this for years to come. Very many years.” Bayaz’
foreheadcrinkledasheraisedhiswhiteeyebrows.“Well?Whatdoyouthink?”
“Er…” Jezal glanced nervously over at Marovia and Varuz, but they were
givingnocluesastowhatwasgoingon.“IfImay?”
“Ofcourse,Jezal—ImaycallyouJezal,mayI?”
“Yes,er,well,yes,Isuppose.Er,thethingis…Iwaswonderingwhatallthis
hastodowithme?”
Bayazsmiled.“Weareshortaman.”
Therewasalong,heavysilence.AdropofwatertrickleddownJezal’sscalp,
drippedfromhishair,randownhisnoseand patteredagainstthetilesbeneath
hisfeet.Horrorcreptslowlythroughhisbody,fromhisguttotheverytipsofhis
fingers.“Me?”hecroaked.
“Theroadwillbealonganddifficultone,mostlikelybesetwithdangers.We
haveenemiesoutthere,youandI.Moreenemiesthanyouwouldbelieve.Who
couldbemoreusefulthanaprovenswordsman,suchasyourself?Thewinnerof
theContest,noless!”
Jezal swallowed. “I appreciate the offer, really I do, but I am afraid I must
decline. My place is with the army, you understand.” He took a hesitant step
backtowardsthedoor.“Imustgonorth.Myshipwillsoonbesailingand—”
“I am afraid it has sailed already, Captain,” said Marovia, his warm voice
stoppingJezaldeadinhistracks.“Youneednotconcernyourselfwiththatany
longer.YouwillnotbegoingtoAngland.”
“But,yourWorship,mycompany—”
“Will find another commander,” smiled the High Justice: understanding,
sympathetic,buthorriblyfirm.“Iappreciateyourfeelings,indeedIdo,butwe
considerthis moreurgent.It isimportantthat theUnionbe representedinthis
matter.”
“Terribly important,” murmured Varuz, half-heartedly. Jezal blinked at the
three old men. There was no escape. So this was his reward for winning the
Contest? Some crackpot voyage to who-knew-where in the company of a
dementedoldmanandapackofsavages?Howhewishednowthathehadnever
startedfencing!Thathehadneverevenseenasteelinhislife!Butwishingwas
useless.Therewasnowayback.
“Ineedtoservemycountry—”mumbledJezal.
Bayaz laughed. “There are other ways to serve your country, my boy, than
beingonecorpseinapile,upthereinthefrozenNorth.Weleavetomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?Butmythingsare—”
“Don’tworry,Captain,”andtheoldmanslippedoffthetableandclappedhim
enthusiastically on the shoulder, “everything is arranged. Your boxes were
broughtofftheshipbeforeitleft.Youhavethiseveningtopickoutsomethings
forourjourney,butwemusttravellight.Weapons,ofcourse,andstoutclothes
fortravelling.Makesureyoupackagoodpairofboots,eh?Nouniforms,I’m
afraid,theymightattractthewrongkindofattentionwherewe’regoing.”
“No,ofcourse,”saidJezalmiserably.“MightIask…wherearewegoing?”
“The edge of the World, my boy, the edge of the World!” Bayaz’ eyes
twinkled.“Andback,ofcourse…Ihope.”
TheBloody-Nine
SayonethingforLogenNinefingers,saythathe’shappy.Theywereleaving,
at last. Beyond some vague talk about the Old Empire, and the edge of the
World,hehadnoideawheretheyweregoingandhedidn’tcare.Anywherebut
thiscursedplacewoulddoforhim,andthesoonerthebetter.
Thelatestmemberofthegroupdidn’tseemtosharehisgoodspirits.Luthar,
theproudyoungmanfromthegate.Theonewho’dwonthesword-game,thanks
toBayaz’ cheating. He’d barely saidtwowordstogethersince he arrived. Just
stoodthere,facerigidandchalkypale,staringoutofthewindow, boltupright
likehehadaspearallthewayuphisarse.
Logenambledovertohim.Ifyou’regoingtotravelwithaman,andmaybe
fightalongsidehim,it’sbesttotalk,andlaughifyoucan.Thatwayyoucanget
anunderstanding,andthenatrust.Trustiswhatbindsabandtogether,andout
thereinthewildsthatcanmakethedifferencebetweenlivingordying.Building
thatkindoftrusttakestime,andeffort.Logenreckoneditwasbesttogetstarted
early,andtoday he hadgoodhumourto spare, so hestoodnext to Lutharand
looked out at the park, trying to dream up some common ground in which to
planttheseedsofanunlikelyfriendship.
“Beautiful,yourhome.”Hedidn’tthinkitwas,buthewasshortonideas.
Lutharturnedfromthewindow,lookedLogenhaughtilyupanddown.“What
wouldyouknowaboutit?”
“Ireckononeman’sthoughtsareworthaboutasmuchasanothers.”
“Huh,” sneered the young man coldly. “Then I suppose that’s where we
differ.”Heturnedbacktotheview.
Logentookadeepbreath.Thetrustmightbeawhilecoming.Heabandoned
LutharandtriedQuaiinstead,buttheapprenticewasscarcelymorepromising:
slumpedinachair,frowningatnothing.
Logensatdownnexttohim.“Aren’tyoulookingforwardtogoinghome?”
“Home,”mumbledtheapprenticelistlessly.
“That’sright,theOldEmpire…orwherever.”
“Youdon’tknowwhatit’slikethere.”
“Youcouldtellme,”saidLogen,hopingtohearsomethingaboutthepeaceful
valleys,cities,riversandwhatnot.
“Bloody.It’sbloodythere,andlawless,andlifeischeapasdirt.”
Bloodyandlawless.Thatallhadanunpleasantlyfamiliarsmacktoit.“Isn’t
thereanEmperor,orsomething?”
“There are many, always making war on one another, forging alliances that
lastaweek, or a day, or an hour,beforethey scramble to be firsttostabeach
other in the back. When one Emperor falls another rises, and another, and
another,andmeanwhilethehopelessandthedispossessedscavengeandlootand
killonthefringes.Thecitiesdwindle,thegreatworksofthepastfallintoruin,
the crops go unharvested and the people go hungry. Bloodshed and betrayal,
hundreds of years of it. The feuds have become so deep, so complicated, that
fewcantellanylongerwhohateswho,andnoonecansaywhy.There’snoneed
forreasonsanymore.”
Logenmadeonelasteffort.“Youneverknow.Thingsmighthavegotbetter.”
“Why?”mutteredtheapprentice.“Why?”
Logenwasfumblingforareplywhenoneof thedoorsswungbrisklyopen.
Bayazfrownedaroundtheroom.“Where’sMaljinn?”
Quaiswallowed.“Sheleft.”
“Icanseesheleft!IthoughtItoldyoutokeepherhere!”
“Youdidn’ttellmehow,”mutteredtheapprentice.
Hismaster ignored him.“What the hellhasbecome ofthatbloody woman?
Wemustbeawaybynoon!ThreedaysI’veknownher,andshealreadyhasme
attheendofmyrope!”Heclenchedhisteethandtookadeepbreath.“Findher,
willyouLogen?Findherandbringherback.”
“Whatifshedoesn’twanttocomeback?”
“Idon’tknow,pickherupandcarryher!Youcankickherallthewayback
hereasfarasI’mconcerned!”
Easytosay,butLogendidn’tfancytryingit.Still,ifithadtobedonebefore
they could leave, it was best done now. He sighed, got up from his chair and
madeforthedoor.
Logenpressedhimselfintotheshadowsbythewall,watching.
“Shit,”hewhisperedtohimself.It would have to be now, just as they were
abouttoleave.Ferrowastwentystridesaway,standinguptallwithadeeperthan
usualscowlonherdarkface.Therewerethreemengatheredroundher.Masked
men,allinblack.Theirsticksweredownbytheirlegs,behindtheirbacks,kept
halfoutofsight,butLogenhadnodoubtaboutwhattheyhadinmind.Hecould
hear one of them talking, hissing through his mask, something about coming
quietly.Hewinced.Comingquietlydidn’tsoundlikeFerro’sstyle.
He wondered whether he should slip away and tell the others. He couldn’t
reallysayhelikedthewomanmuch,notnearenoughtogethisheadbrokenfor
her. But if he left them to it, three against one, the chances were they’d have
knocked her to pieces by the time he got back, however tough she was, and
draggedherofftowhoknewwhere.Hemightnevergetoutofthisdamncity
then.
He started judging the distance, thinking about how best to go at them,
weighing his chances, but he’d been too long doing nothing, and his mind
movedslowly.HewasstillworkingonitwhenFerrosuddenlyjumpedononeof
them,yellingatthetopofhervoice,knockinghimonhisback.Shegavehima
coupleofvicious-lookingpunchesinthe facebefore theothers caughthold of
heranddraggedherup.
“Shit,”hissedLogen.Thethreeofthemwrestled,lurchingaroundinthelane,
knocking against the walls, grunting and swearing, kicking and punching, a
tangleofflailinglimbs.Itseemedthattimehad runout fora cleverapproach.
Logengrittedhisteethandchargedtowardsthem.
Theoneonthefloorhadrolledtohisfeet,shakingthefuzz outof hishead
whiletheothertwostruggledtogetagoodgriponFerro.Nowheliftedhisstick
high, arching back, ready to smash her on the skull. Logen let go a roar. The
maskedfacesnappedround,surprised-looking.
“Huh?”ThenLogen’sshouldercrunchedintohisribs,liftinghimoffhisfeet
andsendinghimsprawling.Outofthecornerofhiseyehesawsomeoneswinga
stickathim,buthe’dgotthemoffguardandtherewasnorealforcebehindit.He
caughtitacrosshisarmthenpressedinunderitandsmashedthemanrightinthe
maskwithhisfists,afull-bloodedpunchwitheachhand.Hereeledback,arms
flopping,alreadyfalling. Logen grabbed him by twofistfulsofhis black coat,
hauledhimintotheairandflunghimupsidedownintothewall.
Hebouncedoffwithagurgleandcrumpledonthecobbles.Logenspunround,
fistsclenched,butthelastonewaslyingonhisfacewithFerroontopofhim,
onekneejammedintohisback,pullinghisheadupbythehairandsmashinghis
faceintotheroad,shoutingmeaninglesscursesallthewhile.
“What did you fucking do?” he shouted, grabbing her under the elbow and
draggingheroff.
Shetorefreeofhisgripandstoodtherepanting,fistsbunchedupbyhersides,
bloodleakingoutofhernose.“Nothing,”shesnarled.
Logentookacautiousstepback.“Nothing?What’sthisthen?”
Shebitoffeachwordinheruglyaccentandspatthemathim.“I…don’t…
know.”Shewipedherbloodymouthwithonehand,thenfroze.Logenglanced
over his shoulder. Three more masked men, running at them down the narrow
lane.
“Shit.”
“Move,pink!”FerroturnedandstartedrunningandLogenfollowedher.What
else could he do? He ran. The horrible, breathless running of the hunted,
shoulderspricklingforablowintheback,suckinginairingasps,theslapping
footfallsofthemenbehindechoingaroundhim.
High white buildings flashed past on either side, windows, doors, statues,
gardens. People too, shouting as they dived out of the way or flattening
themselves against the walls. He had no idea where they were, no idea where
theyweregoing.Amanstepped out of a doorway right infrontofhim,a big
sheaf of papers in his arms. They crashed together, tumbled to the ground,
rollingoverandoverinthegutterwithpapersflappingdownallaroundthem.
He tried to get up but his legs were burning. He couldn’t see! There was a
pieceofpaperacrosshisface.Hetoreitaway,feltsomeonegrabhimunderthe
armandhaulhimalong.“Up,pink!
“Move!”Ferro.Shewasn’tevenoutofbreath.Logen’slungswereburstingas
hestruggledtokeepupwithherbutshepulledsteadilyaway,headdown,feet
flying.
She charged through an archway just ahead and Logen laboured after her,
bootsskiddingasheturnedthecorner.Agreatshadowyspace,timbersreaching
uphighabove,likeastrangeforestofsquarebeams.Wherethehellwerethey?
There was bright light just ahead, open air. He plunged out into it, blinking.
Ferrowasjustbeyondhim,turningroundslowly,breathinghard.Theywerein
themiddleofacircleofgrass,alittlecircle.
Heknewwheretheywerenow.Thearenawherehe’dsatamongthecrowds,
watchingthesword-game.Theemptybenchesstretchedawayallround.There
werecarpenterscrawlingamongstthem,sawingandhammering.They’dalready
takensomeofthebenchestopiecesnearthebackandthesupportsstuckuphigh
intotheairalonelikegiantribbones.Heputhishandsonhiswobblykneesand
bentover,gaspingforair,blowingspitoutontotheground.
“What…now?”
“Thisway.”Logenstraightenedupwithaneffortandwobbledafterher,but
shewasalreadyonherwayback.“Notthatway!”
Logen saw them. Black masked figures, again. The one at the front was a
woman,tallwithashockofredhairsproutingoffherhead.Shepaddedtowards
thecirclesilentlyontheballsofherfeet,wavedherarmbehindher,pointingthe
othertwoouttothesides,tryingtogetontheflanks,surroundhim.Logencast
about,lookingforaweapon,buttherewasnothing—justtheemptybenchesand
thehighwhitewallsbeyond.Ferrowasbackingtowardshim,nottenfeetaway,
andbeyondherthereweretwomoremasks,creepingoutaroundtheenclosures
withsticksintheirhands.Five.Fivealtogether.
“Shit,”hesaid.
“Whatthehelliskeepingthem?”growledBayaz,pacingthefloor.Jezalhad
never seen the old man annoyed before, and for some reason it made him
nervous. Whenever he came close, Jezal wanted to back away. “I’m having a
bath,damnit.Couldbemonthsbeforemynextone.Months!”Bayazstalkedout
of the room and slammed the bathroom door behind him, leaving Jezal alone
withtheapprentice.
They were probably close enough in age, but they had nothing else in
common,sofarasJezalcouldsee,andhestaredwithunconcealedcontempt.A
sickly, weaselly, puny, bookish sort. Sulking like that, moping around, it was
pathetic.Rude,too.Damnrude.Jezalfumedsilently.Justwhodidhe thinkhe
was,thearrogantpup?Whatthehelldidhehavetobesoupsetabout?Itwasn’t
himwho’dhadhislifestolenoutfromunderhim.
Still,if hehad tobeleft alonewithone ofthem, hesupposedit couldhave
beenworse.ItmighthavebeenthemoronNorthmanwithhisfumbling,thick-
tongued small-talk. Or that Gurkish witch, staring and staring with her devil-
yelloweyes.Heshudderedtothinkofit.Peopleofquality,Bayazhadsaid.He
wouldhavelaughedhadhenotbeenonthevergeoftears.
Jezalcasthimselfdownonthecushionsinahigh-backedchair,buthefound
scant comfort there. His friends were on their way to Angland now, and he
missedthemalready.West,Kaspa,Jalenhorm.EventhatbastardBrint.Ontheir
waytohonour,ontheirwaytofame.Thecampaignwouldbelongfinishedby
thetimehereturnedfromwhateverpittheoldmadmanwasleadinghimto,ifhe
returnedatall.Whoknewwhenthenextwarwouldbe,thenextchanceatglory?
HowhewishedhewasgoingtofighttheNorthmen.Howhewishedhewas
withArdee.Itseemedlikeanagesincehewashappy.Hislifewasawful.Awful.
He lay back listlessly in his chair, wondering if things could possibly be any
worse.
“Gurgh,”growledLogenasastickcrackedintohisarm,thenanotherintohis
shoulder, one in his side. He stumbled back, half on his knees, fending them
away as best as he could. He could hear Ferro screaming somewhere behind
him,furyorpainhecouldn’tsay,hewastoobusytakingabattering.
Somethingsmackedacross his skull, hard enough to send him reeling away
towardstheseats.Hefellonhisfaceandthefrontbenchhit himin thechest,
drivingtheairfromhislungs.Therewasbloodrunningdownhisscalp,onhis
hands, in his mouth. His eyes were watering from a blow to the nose, his
knuckleswereallskinnedandbloody,nearasrippedashisclotheswere.Helay
there, for a moment, gathering whatever strength was left. There was a thick
lengthoftimberlyingonthegroundbehindthebench.Hegrabbedholdofthe
end of it. It was loose. He dragged it towards him. It felt good in his hand.
Heavy.
Hesuckedinair,summoningonemoreeffort.Hemovedhisarmsandlegsa
little,testing them.Nothingbroken—except his nosemaybe,but it washardly
thefirsttime.Heheardfootstepscomingupbehind.Slowfootsteps,takingtheir
time.
Hepushedhimselfup,slowly,tryingtolookasthoughhewasinadaze.Then
heletgoaroarandspunround,swingingthetimberoverhishead.Itbrokein
halfacrossthemaskedman’sshoulderwithamightycrack,halfofitflyingup
offtheturfandclatteringaway.Themangaveamuffledwailandsankdown,
eyes screwed shut, one hand clutching at his neck, the other hanging useless,
stickdroppingfromhisfingers.Logenheftedtheshortpieceofwoodleftinhis
hands and clubbed him across the face with it. It snapped his head back and
drovehimintotheturf,maskhalftornoff,bloodbubblingoutfromunderneath.
Logen’sheadexplodedwithlightandhetotteredandsaggeddownontohis
knees.Someonehadhithiminthebackofthehead.Hithimhard.Heswayed
thereforamomenttryingtostophimselffallingonhisface,thenthingscame
suddenlybackintofocus.Thered-hairedwomanwasstandingoverhim,raising
herstickhigh.
Logenshovedhimselfup,flailedintoher,fumbledwithherarm,halfpulling
at her, half leaning on her, ears ringing, the world swinging madly. They
staggeredaround,tuggingonthestickliketwodrunkardswrestlingoverabottle,
backandforthinthecircleofgrass.Hefeltherpunchinghiminthesidewith
herotherhand.Hardpunches,rightintheribs.
“Aargh,” he growled, but his head was clearing now, and she was half his
weight.Hetwistedthearmwiththestickaroundbehindherback.Shepunched
him again, a knock on the side of his face that brought the stars back for an
instant,butthenhegotholdofherotherwristandpinnedthatarmaswell.He
bentherbackwardsoverhisknee.
Shekicked andtwisted,eyes screwedupto furious slits,but Logen hadher
fast.He freedhisright handfromthe tangleof limbs,broughthis fistup high
andmasheditintoherstomach.Shegaveabreathywheezeandwentlimp,eyes
bulging.Heflungherawayandshecrawledafootortwo,pulledhermaskdown
andstartedcoughingpukeontothegrass.
Logenstumbledandswayed,shookhishead,spittingbloodanddirtoutonto
the grass. Aside from the retching woman, there were four black, crumpled
shapes stretched out in the circle. One of them was grunting softly as Ferro
kickedhimoverandover.Shehadbloodalloverherface,butshewassmiling.
“Iamstillalive,”Logenmutteredtohimself,“Iamstill…”Thereweremore
of them coming through the archway. He swung around, almost falling over.
More,fourmore,fromtheotherside.Theyweretrapped.
“Move,pink!”Ferrodashedpasthimandsprangupontothefirstbench,then
thesecond,thenthethird,springingbetweenthemwithgreatstrides.Madness.
Wherewasshegoingtogofromthere?RedHairhadstoppedpuking,shewas
crawlingtowardsherfallenstick.Theotherswereclosinginfast,moreofthem
thanever.Ferrowasalreadyaquarterofthewaybackandshowingnosignsof
slowing,boundingfromonebenchtothenext,makingtheplanksrattle.
“Shit.”Logen setoffafter her.Afteradozen bencheshislegs wereburning
again.Hegaveuptryingtospringbetweenthemandstartedscramblinghowever
hecould.Ashefloppedoverthebacksofthebencheshecouldseethemasked
men behind—following, watching, pointing and calling, spreading out through
theseats.
Hewasslowingnow.Eachbenchwasamountain.Thenearestmaskwasonly
afewrowsbehind.Hescrambledon,higherandhigher,bloodyhandsclutching
at the wood, bloody knees scraping across the benches, skull echoing with his
own breath, skin prickling with sweat and fear. Air loomed suddenly empty
before him. He stopped, gasping, arms waving, teetering on the edge of a
dizzyingdrop.
Hewasclosetothehighroofsofthebuildingsbehind,butmostoftheseating
near the back had already been taken down, leaving the supports exposed—
single looming pillars, narrow beams between them, and a lot of high, empty
space. He watched Ferro spring from one soaring upright to another, then run
acrossawobblingplank,heedlessoftheplungingspacebelow.Shejumpedoff
ontoaflatroofatthefarend,highabovehim.Itseemedaverylongwayaway.
“Shit.”Logenteeteredout across the nearest beam, arms stretched out wide
forbalance,feetmovinginanoldman’sshuffle.His heartwas banginglike a
smith’shammeronananvil,hiskneeswereweakandwobblingfromtheclimb.
Hetriedtoignorethescramblingandshoutingofthemenbehindhimandlook
only at the knotted surface of the beam, but he couldn’t look down without
seeing the spiders web of timbers below him, and the tiny flagstones of the
squarebelowthem.Farbelow.
Helurchedontoastretchofwalkwaystillintact,clatteredupittothefarend.
Hehauledhimselfupontoatimberabovehishead,lockedhislegsarounditand
draggedhimselfalongonhisarsewhispering“Iamstillalive,”tohimself,over
and over. The nearest mask had made it to the walkway, was running along it
towardshim.
Thebeam ended atthetop of one oftheupright struts.A square ofwooda
foot or two across. Then there was nothing. Two strides of empty air. Then
anothersquareatthetopofanotherdizzyingmast,thentheplanktotheflatroof.
Ferrostaredathimfromtheparapet.
“Jump!”shescreamed.“Jump,youpinkbastard!”
Hejumped.Hefeltthewindaroundhim.Hisleftfootlandedonthesquareof
wood,buttherewasnostopping.Hisrightfoothittheplank.Hisankletwisted,
hiskneebuckled.Thedizzyworldpitched.Hisleftfootcamedown,halfonthe
wood, half off. The plank rattled. He was in the empty air, limbs flailing. It
seemedlikealongtime.
“Ooof!”Theparapetcrashedintohischest.Hisarmsclawedwithitbutthere
wasnobreathleftinhim.Hebegantoslideback,eversoslowly,inchbyterrible
inch.Firsthecouldseetheroof,thenhecouldseehishands,thenhecouldsee
nothing but the stones in front of his face. “Help,” he whispered, but no help
came.
Itwasalong way down, he knew that. A long, long way, and there was no
watertofallintothistime.Onlyhard,flat,fatalstone.Heheardarattling.The
maskcomingacrosstheplankbehindhim.Heheardsomeoneshouting,butnone
ofitmatteredmuchnow.Heslippedbackwardsalittlefurther,handsscrabbling
atthecrumblingmortar.“Help,”hecroaked,buttherewasnoonetohelphim.
OnlythemasksandFerro,andnoneofthemseemedlikethehelpingkind.
He heard a clunk and a despairing shriek. Ferro kicking the plank, and the
maskfalling.Thescreamfellaway,itfeltlikeforalongtime,thenitwascutoff
in a distant thud. The mask’s body smashing to pulp against the ground, far
below,andLogenknewhewasabouttojoinhim.Youhavetoberealisticabout
these things. There would be no washing up on a river bank this time. His
fingertips were slipping, slowly, the mortar was starting to come apart. The
fighting,therunning,theclimb,theyhadallsuckedthestrengthoutofhim,and
now there was nothing left. He wondered what sound he would make as he
plungedthroughtheair.“Help,”hemouthed.
And strong fingers closed around his wrist. Dark, dirty fingers. He heard
growling,felthisarmbeingpulled,hard.Hegroaned.Theedgeoftheparapet
camebackintoview.HesawFerronow,teethgritted,eyessqueezedalmostshut
witheffort,veinsstandingoutfromherneck,scarlividagainstherdarkface.He
clutched at the parapet with his other hand, his chest came up beyond it, he
managedtoforcehiskneeover.
Shehauledhimtherestoftheway,andherolledandfloppedonhisbackon
theotherside,gaspinglikealandedfish,staringupatthewhitesky.“Iamstill
alive,” he muttered to himself after a moment, hardly able to believe it. It
wouldn’thavebeentoomuchofasurpriseifFerrohadtroddenonhishandsand
helpedhimfall.
Herfaceappearedabovehim,yelloweyesstaringdown,teethbaredinasnarl.
“Youstupid,heavypinkbastard!”
She turned away, shaking her head, stalked to a wall and started climbing,
hauling herself up fast towards a low-pitched roof above. Logen winced as he
watchedher.Didshenevergettired?Hisarmswerebattered,bruised,scratched
allover.Hislegsached,hisnosehadstartedbleedingagain.Everythinghurt.He
turned and looked down. One mask was staring at him from the edge of the
benches,twentystridesaway.Afewmorewerescurryingaroundbelow,looking
forsomewayup. Far below, in the yellow circleofgrass,hecould see a thin
blackfigurewithredhair,pointingaround,thenupathim,givingorders.
Soonerorlatertheywouldfindawayup.Ferrowasperchedonthepeakof
theroofabovehim,araggeddarkshapeagainstthebrightsky.“Staythereifyou
want,”shebarked,thenturnedanddisappeared.Logengroanedashestoodup,
groanedasheshuffledtothewall,sighedashebegantosearchforahandhold.
“Whereiseveryone?”demandedBrotherLongfoot.“Whereismyillustrious
employer?WhereisMasterNinefingers?Whereisthecharminglady,Maljinn?”
Jezallookedaround.Thesicklyapprenticewassunktoodeepinself-centred
gloomtoanswer.“Idon’tknowabouttheothertwo,butBayazisinthebath.”
“Iswear,Inevercameuponamanmoreattachedtobathingthanhe.Ihope
theothers will not belong.All is prepared,youknow! The ship isready.The
storesareloaded.Itisnotmywaytodelay.Indeeditisnot!Wemustcatchthe
tide,orbestuckhereuntil—”Thelittlemanpaused,staringupatJezalwitha
sudden concern. “You seem upset, my young friend. Troubled, indeed. Can I,
BrotherLongfoot,beofanyassistance?”
Jezalhadhalfamindtotellhimtomindhisownbusiness,buthesettledfor
anirritated,“No,no.”
“I’dwagerthatthereisawomaninvolved.WouldIberight?”Jezallookedup
sharply,wonderinghowthemancouldhaveguessed.“Yourwife,perhaps?”
“No!I’mnotmarried!It’snothinglikethat.It’ser,well,”hefumbledforthe
wordstodescribeit,andfailed.“It’snothinglikethatisall!”
“Ah,”saidtheNavigator,withaknowinggrin.“Ah,aforbiddenlovethen,a
secretloveisit?”Muchtohisannoyance,Jezalfoundthathewasblushing.“I
amright,Iseeit!Thereisnofruitsosweetastheoneyoucannottaste,eh,my
youngfriend?Eh?Eh?”HewaggledhiseyebrowsinwhatJezalfeltwasamost
unsavouryfashion.
“I wonder what’s keeping those two?” Jezal didn’t care in the least, but
anythingtochangethesubject.
“Maljinn, and Ninefingers? Hah,” laughed Longfoot, leaning towards him.
“Perhaps they’ve become involved, eh, in a secret love like yours? Perhaps
they’vecreptoffsomewhere,todowhatcomesnaturally!”HenudgedJezalin
theribs.“Canyouimagine,thosetwo?That’dbesomethingwouldn’tit?Hah!”
Jezal grimaced. The hideous Northman he already knew for an animal, and
fromwhatlittlehe’dseenofthatevilwomanshemightwellbeworse.Allhe
could imagine coming naturally to them was violence. The idea wasperfectly
revolting.Hefeltsoiledjustthinkingaboutit.
Theroofsseemedtogoonforever.Upone,downanother.Creepingalongthe
peaks, one slippery foot on either side, edging across ledges, stepping over
crumbling bits of wall. Sometimes Logen would look up for a moment, get a
dizzyingviewacrossthetumblingmassofdampslates,pittedtiles,ancientlead,
tothedistantwalloftheAgriont,sometimeseventhecityfarbeyond.Itmight
almost have been peaceful if it wasn’t for Ferro, fast-moving, sure-footed,
cursingathimandpullinghimon,givinghimnotimetothinkabouttheview,or
thenerve-wrackingdropstheyskirted,ortheblackfigures,surelystillseeking
forthembelow.
Oneofhersleeveshadbeentornhalfoffsometimeinthefighting,flapping
aroundherwrist,gettinginthewayastheyclimbed.Shesnarledandrippedit
awayattheshoulder.LogensmiledtohimselfasherecalledtheeffortsBayaz
hadgonetoingettinghertochangeheroldstinkingragsfornewclothes.Now
shewasfilthierthanever,shirtsweatedthrough,spottedwithbloodandcaked
with grime from the roof-tops. She looked over her shoulder and saw him
watchingher.“Move,pink,”shehissedathim.
“You see no colours, right?” She clambered on, ignoring him, swinging
around a smoking chimney and slithering across the dirty slates on her belly,
sliding down onto a narrow ledge between two roofs. Logen scrambled down
behindher.“Nocoloursatall.”
“So?”shethrewoverhershoulder.
“Sowhydoyoucallmepink?”
Shelookedround.“Areyoupink?”
Logenpeeredathisforearms.Asidefromthemottledbruises,redscratches,
blueveins,theyweresortofpink,ithadtobesaid.Hefrowned.
“Thought so.” She scurried away between the roofs, right to the end of the
building, and peered down. Logen followed her, leaned out gingerly over the
edge.Acoupleofpeopleweremovingaroundinthelanebelow.Farbelow,and
therewasnowaydown.They’dhavetogobackthewaytheycame.Ferrohad
alreadymovedawaybehindhim.
WindflickedatthesideofLogen’sface.Ferro’sfootslappedagainsttheedge
oftheroof,andthenshewasintheair.Hisjawhungopenashewatchedherfly
away,back arched,arms andlegs flailing.Shelandedonaflatroof,greylead
streakedwithgreenmoss,rolledoncethencameupsmoothlytoherfeet.
Logenlickedhislips,pointedathischest.Shenodded.Theflatroofwasten
feetbelow,buttheremighthavebeentwentyfeetofemptyairbetweenhimand
it,anditwasalongwaydown.Hebackedawayslowly,givinghimselfagood
run-up.Hesuckedinacoupleofdeepbreaths,closedhiseyesforamoment.
Itwouldbeperfect, in a way, if he fell.Nosongs,nostories.Just a bloody
smearonaroadsomewhere.Hestartedrunning.Hisfeetthumpedonthestone.
The air whistled in his mouth, plucked at his torn clothes. The flat roof came
flyinguptowardshim.Helandedwithashudderingimpact,rolledoncejustas
Ferrohaddone,stoodupbesideher.Hewasstillalive.
“Hah!”heshouted.“Whatd’youthinkofthat?”
There was a creaking sound, then a cracking, then the roof gave way under
Logen’s feet. He grabbed despairingly at Ferro as he fell and she slid through
afterhim,helpless.Hetumbledintheairforasickeningmoment,wailing,hands
clutchingatnothing.Hecrasheddownonhisback.
Logencoughedonchokingdust,shookhishead,shiftedpainfully.Hewasina
room,inkydarkafterthebrightnessoutside.Dustwasfilteringdownthroughthe
light from the ragged hole in the roof above. There was something soft under
him.Abed.Ithadhalfcollapsed,leaningatanangle,blanketscoveredinbroken
plaster.Therewassomethingacrosshislegs.Ferro.Hesnortedagurglinglaugh
tohimself.Inbedwithawomanagain,atlast.Unfortunatelyitwasn’tquitewhat
he’dbeenhopingfor.
“Stupidfuckingpink!”shesnarled,scrabblingoffhimandovertothedoor,
bitsofwoodandplasterslidingoffherdustyback.Shehauledonthedoorknob.
“Locked! It’s—” Logen crashed past her, ripping the door off its hinges and
sprawlingoutintothecorridorbeyond.
Ferrosprangoverhim.“Up,pink,up!”Ahandy-lookinglengthofwoodhad
splitfromtheedgeofthedoor,acoupleofnailsstickingoutoftheend.Logen
snatcheditupinhishand.Hestruggledtohisfeet,stumbleddownthecorridora
fewpaces,cametoajunction.Ashadowyhallwaystretchedawaytoeitherside.
Smallwindowscastsharppoolsoflightonthedarkmatting.
NowaytotellwhichwayFerrohadgone.Heturnedright,towardsaflightof
stairs.
There was a figure moving carefully down the dim corridor towards him.
Long and thin like a black spider in the darkness, balanced on the balls of its
feet.Achinkoflightshoneonbrightredhair.
“Youagain,”saidLogen,weighingthelengthofwoodinhishand.
“That’sright.Me.”Therewasajinglingsound,aflashofmetalinthedark.
Logenfeltthepieceofwoodrippedoutofhisfingersandhesawitflyoverthe
woman’sshoulderandclatterawaydownthecorridor.Unarmedagain,butshe
didn’t give him long to worry about it. There was something in her hand,
somethinglikeaknife,andshethrewitathim.Heduckedoutofthewayandit
hissed past his ear, then she jerked her other arm and something slashed him
acrosstheface,justunderhiseye.Helurchedback against the wall, trying to
understandwhatkindofmagichewasfacing.
Itwaslikeametalcross,thethinginherhand,threecurvedblades,onewitha
hookontheend.Achainloopedfromaringonthehandleanddisappearedup
hersleeve.
The knife-thing darted out, missed Logen’s face by an inch as he bobbed
away, struck a shower of sparks as it ripped back along the wall and slapped
smoothly back into her hand. She let it drop, swinging gently from its chain,
rattling against the floor, jumping and dancing towards him as she edged
forward. She jerked her wrist and the thing shot out at Logen again, slashed
across his chest as he tried to get away, spattering drops of blood against the
wall.
Hedivedatherbuthisoutspreadarmscaughtnothing.Therewasarattleand
he felt his foot dragged from under him, his ankle snapped round painfully,
caught by the chain as she ducked by. He sprawled out on his face, started to
pushhimselfup.Thechainsnakedunderhisneck.Hejustgothishandbehindit
before it snapped taut. The woman was on top of him, he could feel her knee
pressing into his back, could hear her breath hissing through her mask as she
pulled,thechaingrowingtighterandtighter,cuttingintothepalmofhishand.
Logengrunted,scrabblingtohisknees,lumberingunsteadilytohisfeet.The
womanwasstillonhisback,allherweightbearingdownonhim,pullingatthe
chain as hard as she could. Logen flailed around with his free hand but he
couldn’tgetather,couldn’tthrowheroff—shewaslikeabarnaclestuckfastto
him.Hecouldhardlybreathenow.Hetotteredforwardafewsteps,thendropped
overbackwards.
“Uurgh,”whisperedthewomaninhisearashisweightcrushedherintothe
floor.ThechainwentslackenoughforLogentodragitclearandslitheroutfrom
underit.Free.Herolledoverandgrabbedthewoman’sneckwithhislefthand,
started squeezing. She kneed at him, dug at him with her fists, but his weight
wasacrossherandtheblowswereweak.Theysnarledandgaspedandcroaked
ateachother,animalsounds,facesonlyinchesapart.Acoupleofspotsofblood
drippedfromthecutonhischeekandpatteredonhermask.Herhandcameup
andstartedfumblingwithhisface,pushinghisheadback.Herfingerforcedits
wayuphisnose.
“Aargh!” he screamed. Pain stabbed up into his head. He let go of her and
staggered up, one hand clasped to his face. She scrambled away, coughing,
landedakickinhisribsthatbenthimover,buthestillhadagriponthechain
andheyankedonitwithallhisweight.Herarmsnappedoutandsheyelpedand
flewstraightintohim,hiskneesinkingintoherside,crushingthebreathoutof
her.Logengrabbedholdofthebackofhershirt,halfliftedheroffthefloorand
flungherdownthestairs.
Sherolledandfloppedandbouncedherwaydown,slidtoastoponherside
nearthebottom.Logenwashalf-temptedtofollowherdownandfinishthejob,
but he had no time. There’d be more where she came from. He turned and
hobbledbacktheotherway,cursinghistwistedankle.
Soundscreptuponhimfromallaround,echoingdownthecorridorfromwho
knew where. Distant rattling and banging, shouts and cries. He stared into
darkness,limping,runningwithsweat,onehandonthewalltosteadyhimself.
He leaned round a corner, trying to see if it was clear. He felt something cold
acrosshisneck.Aknife.
“Still alive?” whispered a voice in his ear. “You don’t die easy, eh, pink?”
Ferro.Heslowlypushedherarmaway.
“Whered’yougettheknife?”Hewishedhehadone.
“Hegaveitme.”Therewasacrumpledshapeintheshadowsbythewall,the
mattingallroundsoakedwithdarkblood.“Thisway.”
Ferrocreptoffdownthecorridor,keepinglowinthedarkness.Hecouldstill
hearthesounds,beneaththem,besidethem,allaroundthem.Theycreptdowna
flightof stairs,outinto adimhallway panelledwithdark wood.Ferroducked
fromshadowtoshadow,movingfast.Logencoulddonomorethanlimpafter
her,dragginghisleg,tryingnottosquealwithpainwheneverheputhisweight
onit.
“There!It’sthem!”Figuresinthedimcorridorbehind.Heturnedtorun,but
Ferroheldherarmout.Thereweremore,comingtheotherway.Therewasabig
dooronhisleft,standingopenacrack.
“Inhere!”LogenshovedhiswaythroughandFerrodartedinafterhim.There
wasaheavypieceoffurniturebesideit,a big cupboard thing with shelves on
top,coveredinplates.Logengrabbedholdofoneendanddraggeditacrossin
frontofthedoors,acoupleoftheplatesdroppingoffandsmashingonthefloor.
Hepressedhisbackagainstit.Thatshouldholdthemforamoment,atleast.
Abigroomwithahighvaultedceiling.Twohugewindowstookupmostof
one wood-panelled wall, a big stone fireplace facing them. A long table stood
between,tenchairsoneitherside,setforeatingwithcutleryandcandlesticks.A
bigdiningroom,andtherewasonlyonewayin.Orout.
Logen heard muffled shouting beyond the door. The big cupboard wobbled
againsthisback.Anotherplateclatteredfromitsshelf,bouncedoffhisshoulder
andsmashedonthestoneflags,scatteringfragmentsacrossthefloor.
“Nicefuckingplan,”snarledFerro.Logen’sfeetslidashestrainedtoholdthe
teetering cupboard up. She dashed over to the nearest window, fumbled at the
metalframesroundthelittlepanes,prisingwithherfingernails,buttherewasno
wayout.
Logen’s eye caught on something. An old greatsword, mounted over the
fireplaceasanornament.Aweapon.Hegavethecupboardonelastshovethen
hurriedovertoit,seizedholdofthelonghiltinbothhandsandrippeditfromits
bracket. It was blunt as a plough, the heavy blade spotted with rust, but still
solid.Ablowfromitmightnotcutamaninhalf,butitwouldknockhimdown
alright. He turned just in time to see the cupboard tipping over, dropping
shatteringcrockeryalloverthestonefloor.
Blackfiguresspilledintotheroom,maskedfigures.Theoneatthefronthad
an evil-looking axe, the next a short-bladed sword. The one behind him was
dark-skinned,withgoldringsthroughhisears.Hehadalong,curveddaggerin
eitherhand.
Thoseweaponswerenotforknockingamanontheheadwith,notunlessthey
meant to knock his brains right out. Seemed that they’d given up on taking
prisoners.Killingweapons,meanttokill.Well,somuchthebetter,Logentold
himself.IfyousayonethingforLogenNinefingers,andonethingonly,sayhe’s
akiller.Heeyedthoseblack-maskedmen,clamberingoverthefallencupboard,
spreading out cautiously around the far wall. He glanced over at Ferro, lips
curledback,knifeinherhand,yelloweyessparkling.Hefingeredthegripofhis
stolensword—heavyandbrutal.Justthetoolforthejob,foronce.
Heplungedatthenearestmask,yellingatthetopofhisvoice,swingingthe
swordoverhishead.Themantriedtoduckawaybutthetipofthebladecaught
him on the shoulder and knocked him reeling. Another one jumped in behind
him, chopping with his axe, sending Logen stumbling away, gasping as his
weightwentontohisbadankle.
Heflailedaroundwiththebigsword,butthereweretoomany.Onescrambled
overthetable,gotbetweenhimandFerro.Somethinghithiminthebackandhe
stumbled, spun, slipped, lashed out with the sword and hit something soft.
Somebody screamed, but by then the one with the axe was coming for him
again. Everything was a mess of masks and iron, clashing, scraping weapons,
cursesandcries,raggedbreathing.
Logenswungtheswordbuthewassotired,sohurt,soaching.Theswordwas
heavy,andgettingheavierallthetime.Themaskweavedoutofthewayandthe
rusty blade clanged into the wall, knocking a great chunk out of the wooden
panellingandbitingintotheplasterbehind,theshocknearlyjarringitoutofhis
hands.
“Ooof,”hebreathedasthemankneedhiminthestomach.Somethinghithim
in the leg and he nearly fell. He could hear somebody yelling behind, but it
seemedfaraway.Hischestwashurting,hismouthwassour.Therewasbloodon
him. All over him. He could hardly breathe. The mask stepped forward, and
again,smiling, smelling victory.Logenlurchedback towards thefireplace,his
footslipping,fallingdownononeknee.
Allthingscometoanend.
Hecouldn’tlifttheoldswordanymore.Therewasnostrengthleft.Nothing.
Theroomwasgrowingblurry.
Allthingscometoanend,butsomeonlyliestill,forgotten…
There was a cold feeling in Logen’s stomach, a feeling he hadn’t felt for a
longtime.“No,”hewhispered.“I’mfreeofyou.”Butitwastoolate.Toolate…
…therewasbloodonhim,butthatwasgood.Therewasalwaysblood.Buthe
was kneeling, and that was wrong. The Bloody-Nine kneels to no man. His
fingerssoughtoutthecracksbetweenthestonesofthefireplace,prisingbetween
themlikeoldtreeroots,pullinghimup.Hisleghurtandhesmiled.Painwasthe
fuelthat madethefires burn.Somethingmoved infrontof him.Maskedmen.
Enemies.
Corpses,then.
“You’re hurt, Northman!” The eyes of the closest one sparkled above his
mask,theshiningbladeofhisaxedancedintheair.“Wanttogiveupyet?”
“Hurt?” The Bloody-Nine threw back his head and laughed. “I’ll fucking
showyouhurt!”Hetumbledforward,flowedbeneaththeaxe,slipperyasfishes
intheriver,swingingtheheavybladeinagreatlowcircle.Itcrunchedintothe
man’skneeandcrackeditbackthewrongway,scythedonintohisotherlegand
ripped it out from under him. He gave a muffled scream as he spun onto the
stones,turningroundandroundintheair,shatteredlegsflopping.
SomethingdugintotheBloody-Nine’sback,buttherewasnopain.Itwasa
sign. A message in a secret tongue, that only he could understand. It told him
wherethenextdeadmanwasstanding.Hereeledaroundandtheswordfollowed
him in a furious, beautiful, irresistible arc. It crunched into someone’s guts,
foldedhiminhalf,snatchedhimoffhisfeetandflunghimthroughtheair.He
bounced from the wall beside the fireplace and crumpled on the floor in a
showerofbrokenplaster.
A knife whirled, hissing, stuck deep into the Bloody-Nine’s shoulder with a
dampthud.Theblackone,withtheringsthroughhisears.Hehadthrownit.He
was on the other side of the table, smiling, pleased with his throw. A terrible
mistake. The Bloody-Nine came for him. Another knife flashed past, clattered
againstthewall.Hesprangoverthetableandtheswordfollowedbehind.
The dark man dodged the first great swing, and the second. Fast and tricky
clever,butnotcleverenough.Thethirdblowbithimintheside.Aglancingbite.
Justanibble.Itonlysmashedhisribsandknockedhimscreamingtohisknees.
Thelastonewasbetter,acircleoffleshandironthatcarvedintohismouthand
ripped his head half off, showering blood across the walls. The Bloody-Nine
pluckedtheknifefromhisshoulderandtossedittothefloor.Bloodranfromthe
wound,soakedthroughhisshirtandmadeagreat,lovely,warmredstain.
He dropped and faded away, leaves falling from the tree, rolling across the
ground.Amanlungedpast,slashingattheairwherehehadstoodwithashort-
bladed sword. Before he could turn, the Bloody-Nine was on him, left hand
snaking round his fists. He struggled and strained, but it was useless. The
Bloody-Nine’sgripwasstrongastherootsofmountains,relentlessasthetide.
“Theysend suchasyou tofightme?” Heflung themanback againstthewall
and squeezed, crushing his hands around the grip of his weapon, turning the
short blade until it was pointing at his chest. “A fucking insult!” he roared,
spittinghimonhisownsword.
The man screamed, and screamed behind his mask, and the Bloody-Nine
laughed,andtwistedtheblade.Logenmighthavepitiedhim,butLogenwasfar
awayandtheBloody-Ninehadnomorepityinhimthanthewinter.Lesseven.
Hestabbed,andcut,andcut,andsmiled,andthescreamsbubbledanddied,and
heletthecorpsedroptothecoldstones.Hisfingerswereslickwithbloodand
hewipeditonhisclothes,onhisarms,onhisface—justasitshouldbe.
Theonebythefireplacewassitting,hanginglimp,headback,eyeslikewet
stones,staring at theceiling. Part oftheearth now.TheBloody-Nine smashed
hisfaceopenwiththeswordjusttomakesure.Besttoleavenodoubts.Theone
who’dhadtheaxewascrawlingforthedoor,legstwistedoutanddraggingover
thestonesbehindhim,gaspingandwhimperingalltheway.
“Quietnow.”Theheavybladecrunchedintothebackoftheman’sskulland
sprayedhisbloodacrossthestones.
“More,”hewhispered,andtheroomturnedaroundhimashesoughtoutthe
nextkill.“More!”hebellowed,andhelaughed,andthewallslaughed,andthe
corpseslaughedwithhim.“Where’stherestofyou?”
Hesawadark-skinnedwoman,withableedingcutonherfaceandaknifein
her hand. She didn’t look like the others, but she would do just as well. He
smiled, crept forward, raising the sword in both hands. She stepped away,
watchinghim,keepingthetablebetweenthem,hardyelloweyeslikethewolf.A
tinyvoiceseemedtotellhimthatshewasonhisside.Shame.
“Northerner,eh?”askedamassiveshapeinthedoorway.
“Aye,who’sasking?”
“TheStone-Splitter.”
Hewasbigthisone,verybig,andtough,andsavage.Youcouldseeitonhim
as he shoved the cupboard away with his huge boot and crunched forward
throughthebrokenplates.ItmeantlessthannothingtotheBloody-Ninethough
—he was made to break such men. Tul Duru Thunderhead had been bigger.
Rudd Threetrees had been tougher. Black Dow had been twice as savage. The
Bloody-Ninehadbrokenthem,andplentymorebesides.Thebigger,thetougher,
themoresavagehewas,somuchtheworsewouldbehisbreaking.
“Stone-Shitter?” laughed the Bloody-Nine. “So fuckin’ what? Next to die is
what y’are, and nothing more!” He held his left hand up, spattered with red
blood,threefingersspreadoutwide,grinningthroughthegapwherethemiddle
oneusedtobe,alongtimeago.“TheycallmetheBloody-Nine.”
“Dah!”TheStone-Splitterrippedoffhismaskandthrewitonthefloor.“Liar!
There’splentyo’meninthenorthhavelostafinger.Theyain’tallNinefingers!”
“No.Onlyme.”
Thatgreatfacetwistedupwithrage.“Youfuckingliar!Youthinktoscarethe
Stone-Splitter with a name that’s not your own? I’ll carve a new arse in you,
maggot! I’ll put the bloody cross on you! I’ll put you back in the mud you
cowardfuckingliar!”
“Killme?”TheBloody-Ninelaughedlouderthanever.“Idothekilling,fool!”
Thetalkwasdone.Stone-Splittercameathimwithaxeinonehandandmace
intheother,greatheavyweapons,thoughheusedthemquickenough.Themace
swungacross,smashedagreatholethroughtheglassinoneofthewindows.The
axecamedown,splitonetimberofthetableinhalf,madetheplatesjumpinthe
air, the candlesticks topple. The Bloody-Nine twitched away, frog hopping,
waitingforhistime.
Themacemissedhisshoulderbyaninchasherolledacrossthetable,cracked
one of the big flat stones on the floor, split it down the middle, chips flying
throughtheair.Stone-Splitterroared,swinginghisweapons,smashingachairin
half,knockingachunkofstoneoutofthefireplace,choppingagreatgashinthe
wall.HisaxestuckfastinthewoodforamomentandtheBloody-Nine’ssword
flashedover,brokethehaftintosplinteredhalves,leavingtheStone-Splitterwith
abrokenstickinhispaw.Heflungitawayandheftedthemace,cameoneven
harder,swingingitroundwithfuriousbellows.
It sailed over and the Bloody-Nine’s sword caught it just below the head,
ripped it out of the big hand. It twisted through the air and clattered into the
corner, but the Stone-Splitter pressed forward, spreading his great hands out
wide.Tooclosetousethebigswordnow.Stone-Splittersmiledashishugearms
closedaroundtheBloody-Nine,foldinghimtight,holdinghimfast.“Gotyer!”
heshouted,squeezinghiminagreathug.
Anawfulmistake.Bettertoembracetheburningfire.
Crack!
The Bloody-Nine’s forehead smashed into his mouth. He felt the Stone-
Splitters grip slacken a little and he wriggled his shoulders, making room,
wriggling, wriggling, mole in his burrow. He swung his head back as far as it
wouldgo.Billy-goatcharges.Thesecondhead-buttsmashedtheStone-Splitters
flat nose open. He grunted and the big arms released a little more. The third
cracked his cheekbone. The arms fell away. The fourth broke his heavy jaw.
NowitwastheBloody-Nineholdinghimup,smilingashemashedhisforehead
into the shattered face. Woodpecker pecking, tap, tap, tap. Five. Six. Seven.
Eight.Therewasasatisfyingrhythmtothecrunchingofthefacebones.Nine,
and he let the Stone-Splitter fall. He sagged sideways and crumpled onto the
floor,bloodspillingfromhisruinedface.
“How’sthatforyer?”laughedtheBloody-Nine,wipingbloodoutofhiseyes
andgiving the Stone-Splitters lifelessbodya couple ofkicks.The roomspun
aroundhim, swamaround him,laughing,laughing.“How’sthat…fuck…”He
stumbled,blinked,sleepy,campfireguttering.“No…notyet…”Hedroppedto
hisknees.Notyet.Therewasmoretodo,alwaysmore.“Notyet,”hesnarled,
buthistimewasup…
…Logenscreamed.Hefelldown.Pain,everywhere.Hislegs,hisshoulder,his
head.Hewaileduntilthebloodcaughtinhisthroat,thenhecoughedandgasped
and rolled around, scrabbling at the floor. The world was a blurry smear. He
gurgledupbloodanddrooleditout,longenoughtostartwailingagain.
A hand clamped over his mouth. “Stop your damn crying, pink! Now, you
hearme?”Avoice,whisperingurgentinhisear.Strange,hardvoice.“Stopyour
cryingorIleaveyou,understand?Onechance!”Thehandcameaway.Aircame
outbetweenhisgrittedteethinahighpitched,keeningmoan,butnottooloud.
A hand clamped round his wrist, dragged his arm up. He gasped as his
shoulderstretchedout,wasdraggedoversomethinghard.Torture.“Up,bastard,
Ican’tcarryyou!Up,now!Onechance,understand?”
Hewasliftedslowly,hetriedtopushwithhislegs.Thebreathwhistledand
clicked in his throat, but he could do it. Left foot, right foot. Easy. His knee
buckled,painstabbeduphisleg.Hescreamedagainandfell,grovelledonthe
floor.Besttoliestill.Hiseyesclosed.
Something slapped him hard in the face, and again. He grunted. Something
slidunderhisarmpit,startedtopullhimup.
“Up,pink!Up,orIleaveyou.Onechance,youhear?”
Breathin,breathout.Leftfoot,rightfoot.
Longfootfussedandworried,firsttappinghisfingersonthearmofhischair,
thencountingonthem,shakinghisheadandmoaningabouttides.Jezalstayed
silent, hoping against hope that the two savages might have drowned in the
moat,andthatthewholeventuremightthereforecometonothing.Therewould
stillbeplentyoftimetomakeittoAngland.Perhapsallwasnotlost…
Heheardthedooropenbehindhim,andhisdreamswerepunctured.Misery
swaddled him once again, but it was soon replaced by horrified surprise as he
turnedaround.
Tworaggedshapesstoodinthedoorway,coveredinbloodandfilth.Devils,
surely,steppedoutfromsomegatetohell.TheGurkishwomanwascursingas
she lurched into the room. Ninefingers had one arm across her shoulders, the
otherswingingloose,blooddrippingfromhisfingertips,headdrooping.
Theywobbledtogetherforasteportwo,thentheNorthman’sstumblingfoot
caughtonachairlegandtheytumbledontothefloor.Thewomansnarledand
shrugged off his limp arm, shoved him away and scrambled up to her feet.
Ninefingers rolled over slowly, groaning, and a deep gash in his shoulder
yawnedopen,oozingbloodacrossthecarpet.Itwasredinthere,likefreshmeat
inabutchersshop.Jezalswallowed,horrifiedandfascinatedatonce.
“God’sbreath!”
“Theycameforus.”
“What?”
“Whocame?”
A woman sidled cautiously around the door frame, red-haired, all in black,
wearing a mask. A Practical, Jezal’s numb brain was saying, but he could not
understandwhyshewassobruised,orwalkingwithsuchalimp.Anotheredged
throughbehindher,aman,armedwithaheavysword.
“You’recomingwithus,”saidthewoman.
“Makeme!”Maljinnspatather.Jezalwasshockedtoseeshehadproduceda
knifefromsomewhere,andabloodyoneatthat.Sheshouldnotbearmed!Not
here!
He realised, stupidly, that he was wearing a sword. Of course he was. He
fumbled with the hilt and drew it, with the vague intention of knocking the
Gurkishdevilonthebackoftheheadwiththeflatbeforeshecoulddoanymore
damage. If the Inquisition wanted her they could damn well have her, and the
restofthemtoo.Unfortunately,thePracticalsgotthewrongidea.
“Dropit,”hissedthered-hairedwoman,glaringathimthroughnarroweyes.
“Iwillnot!”saidJezal,tremendouslyoffendedthatshemightthinkhewason
thesideofthesevillains.
“Erm…”saidQuai.
“Aaargh,”groanedNinefingers,clutchingupabloodyhandfulofcarpetand
draggingittowardshim,makingthetablelurchacrossthefloor.
A third Practical crept through the door, around the red-haired woman, a
heavy mace in his gloved fist. An unpleasant-looking weapon. Jezal could not
help picturing the effect it might have on his skull, if swung in anger. He
fingeredthehiltofhissworduncertainly,feelinginterribleneedofsomeoneto
tellhimwhattodo.
“Comingwithus,”saidthewomanagain,ashertwofriendsadvancedslowly
intotheroom.
“Ohdear,”murmuredLongfoot,takingcoverbehindthetable.
Then the door to the bathroom banged against the wall. Bayaz stood there,
entirely naked, dripping with soapy water. His slow gaze took in first Ferro,
scowlingwithher knife out, then Longfoot hidingbehindthetable,Jezal with
sworddrawn,Quaistandingwithhismouthopen,Ninefingerssprawledoutina
bloodyruin,andfinallythethreeblackmaskedfigures,weaponsattheready.
Therewasapregnantpause.
“Whatthefuckisthis?”heroared,stridingintothecentreoftheroom,water
drippingfromhisbeard,downthroughthegrizzledwhitehairsonhischest,off
hisslappingfruits.Itwasastrangesight to see. Anakedoldmanconfronting
three armed Practicals of the Inquisition. Ridiculous, and yet no one was
laughing.Therewassomethingstrangelyterrifyingabouthim,evenwithouthis
clothes and running with wet. It was the Practicals who shifted backwards,
confused,scaredeven.
“You’recomingwithus,”thewomanrepeated,thoughacertaindoubtseemed
tohaveenteredhervoice.OneofhercompanionssteppedwarilytowardBayaz.
Jezalfeltastrangesensationinhisstomach.Atugging,asucking,anempty,
sickfeeling.Itwaslikebeingbackonthebridge,intheshadowoftheMakers
House.Onlyworse.Thewizard’sfacehadturnedterriblyhard.“Mypatienceis
atanend.”
Like a bottle dropped from a great height, the nearest Practical burst apart.
There was no thunderclap, only a gentle squelching. One moment he was
moving toward the old man, sword raised, entirely whole. The next he was a
thousand fragments. Some unknown part of him thudded wetly against the
plasternexttoJezal’shead.Hissworddroppedandrattledontheboards.
“Youweresaying?”growledtheFirstoftheMagi.
Jezal’s knees trembled. His mouth gaped. He felt faint, and queasy, and
awfullyhollowinside.Therewerespotsofbloodacrosshisface,buthedared
notmovetowipethemoff.Hestaredatthenakedoldman,unabletobelievehis
eyes.Itseemed that he had watchedawell-meaningold buffoonchange in an
instantintoabrutalmurderer,andwithouttheslightestgrainofhesitation.
Thered-hairedwomanstoodthereamoment,spatteredwithbloodandflecks
ofmeatandbone,eyeswideastwodinnerplates,thenstartedtoshuffleslowly
backwards towards the door. The other one followed her, almost tripping over
Ninefingers’ foot in his haste to get away. Everyone else stayed motionless as
statues.JezalheardquickfootstepsinthecorridoroutsideasthetwoPracticals
ranfortheir lives. He almostenviedthem.They, it seemed, would escape.He
wastrappedinthisnightmare.
“Wemustleave,now!”barkedBayaz,wincingasifhewasinpain,“justas
soon as I have my trousers on. Help him, Longfoot!” he shouted over his
shoulder. For once, the Navigator was lost for words. He blinked, then got up
frombehindthetableandbentdownovertheunconsciousNorthman,rippedoff
astripofhistatteredshirttouseasabandage.Hepaused,frowning,asthough
unsurewheretobegin.
Jezalswallowed. His sword wasstillin his hand, but heseemedto lack the
strengthto put itaway.Bitsofthe unfortunate Practicalwere scatteredaround
theroom,stucktothewalls,theceiling,thepeople.Jezalhadneverseenaman
die before, let alone in so hideous and unnatural a fashion. He supposed he
should have been horrified, but instead he felt only an overpowering sense of
relief.Hisworriesseemednowratherpettythings.
He,atleast,wasstillalive.
TheToolsweHave
Gloktastoodinthenarrowhallway,leaningonhiscaneandwaiting.Onthe
othersideofthedoor,hecouldhearraisedvoices.
“Isaid,novisitors!”
Hesighedtohimself.Hehadmanybetterthingstodothantostandaround
here on his aching leg, but he had given his word and he meant to keep it. A
pokey, unremarkable hallway in a pokey, unremarkable house among many
hundreds of others the same. The whole district was recently built, terraces of
housesinthenewfashion:half-timbered,threestories,goodperhapsforafamily
and a couple of servants. Hundreds of houses, one very much like another.
Houses for the gentlefolk. The new rich. Jumped-up commoners, Sult would
probably have called them. Bankers, merchants, artisans, shop keepers, clerks.
Perhapstheoddtown-houseofsomesuccessfulgentlemanfarmer,likethisone
here.
Thevoiceshadstoppednow.Gloktaheardmovement,someclinkingofglass,
thenthedooropenedacrackandthemaidpeeredout.Anill-favouredgirlwith
big,wateryeyes.Shelookedscaredandguilty.Still,Iamusedtothat.Everyone
seemsscaredandguiltyaroundtheInquisition.
“She’llseeyounow,”thegirlmumbled.Gloktanoddedandshuffledpasther
intotheroombeyond.
HehadsomehazymemoriesofstayingwithWest’sfamilyforaweekortwo
onesummer,upinAngland,adozenyearsagoperhaps,althoughitseemedmore
like a hundred. He remembered fencing with West in the courtyard of their
house,ofbeingwatchedeverydaybyadark-hairedgirlwithaseriousface.He
rememberedmeetingayoungwomanintheparknotlongago,whohadasked
him how he was. He had been in a lot of pain at the time, scarcely seeing
straight,andherfacewasablurinhismemory.SoitwasthatGloktawasnot
sure what to expect, but he certainly had not expected the bruises. He was a
touchshocked,foramoment.ThoughIhideitwell.
Dark, purple and brown and yellow, under her left eye, the lower lid well
swollen. Round the corner of her mouth too, the lip split and scabbed over.
Gloktaknewalotaboutbruises,fewmenmore.AndIhardlythinkshegotthese
byaccident.Shewaspunchedintheface,bysomeonewhomeantit.Helooked
atthoseuglymarks,andhethoughtabouthisoldfriendCollemWest,cryingin
hisdiningroomandbeggingforhelp,andheputthetwotogether.
Interesting.
Shesatthere,allthewhile,lookingbackathimwithherchinhigh,thesideof
herfacewiththeworstbruisesturnedtowardshim,asthoughchallenginghimto
saysomething.Sheisnotmuchliketoherbrother.Notmuchlikeatall.Idon’t
thinkshe’llbeburstingintotearsinmydiningroom,oranywhereelse.
“What can I do for you, Inquisitor?” she asked him coldly. He detected the
very slightest slurring of the word Inquisitor. She has been drinking… though
she hides it well. Not enough to make her stupid. Glokta pursed his lips. For
somereasonhehadthefeelingthatheneededtowatchhisstep.
“I’mnothereinaprofessionalcapacity.Yourbrotheraskedmeto—”
Shecuthimoffrudely.“Didhe?Really?HeretomakesureIdon’tfuckthe
wrongman,areyou?”Gloktawaitedforamoment,allowingthattosinkin,then
hebegantochucklesoftlytohimself.Oh,that’sgrand!Ibegintoquitelikeher!
“Somethingfunny?”shesnapped.
“Pardonme,”saidGlokta,wipinghisrunningeyewithafinger,“butIspent
twoyearsintheEmperorsprisons.Idaresay,ifIhadknownI’dbetherehalf
thatlongatthestart,Iwouldhavemadeamoreconcertedefforttokillmyself.
Sevenhundreddays,giveortake,inthedarkness.Asclosetohell,Iwouldhave
thought, as a living man can go. My point is this—if you mean to upset me
you’llneedmorethanharshlanguage.”
Glokta treated her to his most revolting, toothless, crazy smile. There were
fewpeopleindeedwhocouldstomachthatforlong,butshedidnotlookaway
foraninstant.Soon,infact,shewassmilingbackathim.Alop-sidedgrinofher
own,andonewhichhefoundoddlydisarming.Adifferenttack,perhaps.
“The fact is, your brother asked me to look after your welfare while he is
away.AsfarasI’mconcernedyoucanfuckwhomeveryouplease,thoughmy
generalobservationhasbeenthat,asfarasthereputationsofyoungwomenare
concerned, the less fucking the better. The reverse is true for young men of
course.Hardlyfair,butthenlifeisunfairinsomanyways,thisonehardlyseems
worthcommentingon.”
“Huh.You’rerightthere.”
“Good,”saidGlokta,“soweunderstandeachotherthen.I seethat youhurt
yourface.”
Sheshrugged.“Ifell.I’maclumsyfool.”
“Iknowhowyoufeel.I’msuchafoolIknockedhalfmyteethoutandhacked
my leg to useless pulp. Look at me now, a cripple. It’s amazing where a little
foolishness can take you, if it goes unchecked. We clumsy types should stick
together,don’tyouthink?”
Shelookedathimthoughtfullyforamoment,strokingthebruisesonherjaw.
“Yes,”shesaid,“Isupposeweshould.”
Goyle’sPractical,Vitari,wassprawledonachairoppositeGlokta,justoutside
thehugedarkdoorstotheArchLectorsoffice.Shewasslumpedintoit,poured
ontoit,drapedoveritlikeawetcloth,longlimbsdangling,headrestingonthe
back.Hereyestwitchedlazilyaroundtheroomfromtimetotimeunderheavy
lids, sometimes coming to rest on Glokta himself for insultingly long periods.
She never turned her head though, or indeed moved a muscle, as though the
effortmightbetoopainful.
Which,indeed,itprobablywouldbe.
Plainly,shehadbeeninvolvedinamostviolentmelee,handtohand.Above
her black collar, her neck was a mass of mottled bruises. There were more
aroundherblackmask,alotmore,andalongcutacrossherforehead.Oneof
her drooping hands was heavily bandaged, the knuckles of the other were
scratchedandscabbedover.She’stakenmorethanacoupleofknocks.Fighting
hard,againstsomeonewhomeantbusiness.
Thetinybelljumpedandtinkled.“InquisitorGlokta,”saidthesecretary,ashe
hurriedoutfrombehindhisdesktoopenthedoor,“hisEminencewillseeyou
now.”
Glokta sighed, grunted and heaved on his cane as he got to his feet. “Good
luck,”saidthewomanashelimpedpast.
“What?”
ShegaveabarelyperceptiblenodtowardstheArchLectorsoffice.“He’sina
hellofamoodtoday.”
As the door opened, Sult’s voice washed out into the ante-room, changing
from a muffled murmuring into an all-out scream. The secretary jerked back
fromthegapasifslappedintheface.
“Twenty Practicals!” shrieked the Arch Lector, from beyond the archway.
“Twenty! We should have been questioning that bitch now, instead of sitting
here,lickingourwounds!HowmanyPracticals?”
“Twenty,ArchLec—”
“Twenty!Damnit!”Gloktatookadeepbreathandinsinuatedhimselfthrough
thedoor.“Andhowmanydead?”TheArchLectorwasstridingbrisklyupand
downthetiledfloorofhishugecircularoffice,wavinghislongarmsintheair.
Hewasdressedallinwhite,asspotlessasever.ThoughIfancyahairisoutof
place,maybeeventwo.Hemusttrulybeinafury.“Howmany?”
“Seven,”mumbledSuperiorGoyle,hunchedintohischair.
“Athirdofthem!Athird!Howmanyinjured?”
“Eight.”
“Mostoftherest!Againsthowmany?”
“Inall,thereweresix—”
“Really?”TheArchLectorthumpedhisfistsonthetable,leaningdownover
the shrinking Superior. “I heard two. Two!” he screamed, pacing once more
roundandroundthetable,“andbothofthemsavages!TwoIheard!Awhiteone
andablackone,andtheblackoneawoman!Awoman!”Hekickedsavagelyat
thechairnexttoGoyleanditwobbledbackandforthonitsfeet.“Andwhat’s
worse, there were countless witnesses to this disgrace! Did I not say discreet?
Whatpartoftheworddiscreetisbeyondyourcomprehension,Goyle?”
“ButArchLector,circumstancescannot—”
“Cannot?”Sult’sscreechroseanentireoctavehigher.“Cannot?Howdareyou
givemecannot,Goyle?DiscreetIaskedfor,andyougavemebloodyslaughter
across half the Agriont, and failed into the bargain! We look like fools! Far
worse,welooklikeweakfools!MyenemiesontheClosedCouncilwillwaste
no time in turning this farce to their advantage. Marovia’s already stirring
trouble,theoldwindbag,whiningaboutlibertyandtighterreinsandalltherest
of it! Damn lawyers! They had their way, we’d get nothing done! And you’re
makingithappen,Goyle!I’mstalling,andI’msayingsorry, andI’m tryingto
putthingsinthebestlight,butaturd’saturd,whateverlightit’sin!Doyouhave
anynotionofthedamageyou’veinflicted?Ofthemonthsofhardworkyou’ve
undone?”
“But,ArchLector,havetheynotnowleftthe—”
“They’llbeback,youcretin!Hedidnotgotoallthistroublesimplytoleave,
dolt! Yes they’ve gone, idiot, and they’ve taken the answers with them! Who
theyare,whattheywant,whoisbehindthem!Left?Left?Damnyou,Goyle!”
“Iamwretched,yourEminence.”
“Youarelessthanwretched!”
“Icannotbutapologise.”
“You’re lucky you’re not apologising over a slow fire!” Sult sneered his
disgust.“Nowgetoutofmysight!”
GoyleflashedalookofthemostprofoundhatredatGloktaashecringedhis
wayoutoftheroom.Goodbye,SuperiorGoyle,goodbye.TheArchLectorsfury
couldnotfalluponamoredeservingcandidate.Gloktacouldnotsuppressthe
tiniestofsmilesashewatchedhimgo.
“Something amusing you?” Sult’s voice was ice as he held out his white
glovedhand,purplestoneflashingonhisfinger.
Gloktabenttokissit.“Ofcoursenot,yourEminence.”
“Good,becauseyou’venothingtobeamusedabout,Icantellyou!Keys?”he
sneered. “Stories? Scrolls? What could have possessed me to listen to your
drivel?”
“Iknow,ArchLector,Iapologise.”Gloktaedgedhumblyintothechairthat
Goylehadsorecentlyvacated.
“You apologise, do you? Everyone apologises! Some good that does me!
Fewer apologies and more successes is what I need! And to think, I had such
highhopesforyou!Still,Isupposewemustworkwiththetoolswehave.”
Meaning?ButGloktasaidnothing.
“Wehaveproblems.Veryseriousproblems,intheSouth.”
“TheSouth,ArchLector?”
“Dagoska. The situation there is grave. Gurkish troops are flocking to the
peninsula. They already outnumber our garrison by ten to one, and all our
strengthiscommittedintheNorth.ThreeregimentsoftheKing’sOwnremainin
Adua,butwiththepeasantsgettingoutofhandacrosshalfofMidderland,they
cannotbespared.SuperiorDavoustwaskeepingmeinformedinweeklyletters.
He was my eyes, Glokta, do you understand? He suspected that there was a
conspiracyafootwithinthecity.AconspiracyintendingtodeliverDagoskainto
thehandsoftheGurkish.Threeweeksagothelettersstopped,andyesterdayI
learned that Davoust has disappeared. Disappeared! A Superior of the
Inquisition!Vanishedintothinair!Iamblind,Glokta.Iamfumblinginthedark
atamostcrucialtime!IneedsomeonetherethatIcantrust,doyouunderstand?”
Glokta’sheartwasthumping.“Me?”
“Ohyou’relearning,”sneeredSult.“YouarethenewSuperiorofDagoska.”
“Me?”
“Many congratulations, but forgive me if we leave the feast until a quieter
moment! You, Glokta, you!” The Arch Lector leaned down over him. “Go to
Dagoskaanddig.Find out what happened to Davoust.Weed the garden down
there.Rootouteverythingdisloyal. Everything and anyone. Light a fire under
them!Ineedtoknowwhat’sgoingon,ifyouhavetotoasttheLordGovernor
untilhedripsgravy!”
Gloktaswallowed.“ToasttheLordGovernor?”
“Is there an echo in here?” snarled Sult, looming even lower. “Sniff out the
rot, and cut it away! Hack it off! Burn it out! All of it, wherever it is! Take
charge of the city’s defences yourself if you must. You were a soldier!” He
reachedoutandslidasinglesheetofparchmentacrossthetabletop.“Thisisthe
King’s writ, signed by all twelve chairs on the Closed Council. All twelve. I
sweatedbloodtogetit.WithinthecityofDagoska,youwillhavefullpowers.”
Gloktastareddownatthedocument.Asimplesheetofcream-colouredpaper,
blackwriting,ahugeredsealatthebottom.We,theundersigned,conferupon
His Majesty’s faithful servant, Superior Sand dan Glokta, our full powers and
authority… Several blocks of neat writing, and below, two columns of names.
Crabby blotches, flowing swirls, near illegible scrawls. Hoff, Sult, Marovia,
Varuz, Halleck,Burr,Torlichorm, andallthe rest.Powerfulnames. Gloktafelt
faintashepickedupthedocumentinhistwotremblinghands.Itseemedheavy.
“Don’tletitgotoyourhead!Youstillhavetotreadcarefully.Wecanstandno
moreembarrassments,buttheGurkishmustbekeptoutatallcosts,atleastuntil
thisbusinessinAnglandissettled.Atallcosts,doyouunderstand?”
I understand. A posting to a city surrounded by enemies and riddled with
traitors,whereoneSuperiorhasalreadymysteriouslydisappeared.Closertoa
knifeinthebackthanapromotion,butwemustworkwiththetoolswehave.“I
understand,ArchLector.”
“Good.Keepmewellinformed.Iwanttobeswampedbyyourletters.”
“Ofcourse.”
“YouhavetwoPracticals,correct?”
“Yes,yourEminence,FrostandSeverard,bothvery—”
“Notnearlyenough!Youwon’tbeabletotrustanyonedownthere,noteven
theInquisition.”Sultseemedtothinkaboutthatforamoment.“Especiallythe
Inquisition. I have picked out a half dozen others whose skills are proven,
includingPracticalVitari.”
Thatwoman,watchingovermyshoulder?“But,ArchLector—”
“Don’t‘but’ me, Glokta!” hissed Sult.“Don’tyoudare‘but’ me, not today!
You’re not half as crippled as you could be! Not half as crippled, you
understand?”
Gloktabowedhishead.“Iapologise.”
“You’rethinking,aren’tyou?Icanseethecogsturning.Thinkingyoudon’t
wantoneofGoyle’speoplegettingintheway?Well,beforesheworkedforhim
sheworkedforme.AStyrian,fromSipano.Coldasthesnow,thosepeople,and
she’sthecoldestofthem,Icantellyou.Soyouneedn’tworry.NotaboutGoyle,
anyway”No.Onlyaboutyou,whichisfarworse.
“Iwillbehonouredtohaveheralong.”Iwillbedamnedcareful.
“Be as honoured as you damn well please, just don’t let me down! Make a
messofthisandyou’llneedmorethanthatpieceofpapertosaveyou.Ashipis
waitingatthedocks.Leave.Now.”
“Ofcourse,yourEminence.”
Sultturnedawayandstrodeovertothewindow.Gloktaquietlygotup,quietly
slidhischairunderthetable,quietlyshuffledacrosstheroom.TheArchLector
wasstillstanding,handsclaspedbehindhim,asGloktaeversocarefullypulled
the doors to. It was not until they clicked shut that he realised he had been
holdinghisbreath.
“How’ditgo?”
Gloktaturnedroundsharply,hisneckgivingapainfulclick.
Strange,howIneverlearnnottodothat.PracticalVitariwasstillfloppedin
herchair,lookingupathimwithtiredeyes.Shedidnotseemtohavemovedthe
wholetimehewasinside.Howdiditgo?Heranhistonguearoundhismouth,
overhisemptygums,thinkingaboutit.Thatremainstobeseen. “Interesting,”
hesaidintheend.“IamgoingtoDagoska.”
“SoIhear.”Thewomandidindeedhaveanaccent,nowhethoughtaboutit.A
slightwhiffoftheFreeCities.
“Iunderstandyou’recomingwithme.”
“IunderstandIam.”Butshedidnotmove.
“Weareinsomethingofahurry.”
“Iknow.”Sheheldoutherhand.“Couldyouhelpmeup?”
Gloktaraisedhiseyebrows.IwonderwhenIwaslastaskedthatquestion?He
hadhalf a mindto say no,butin theendhe held hishand out, ifonlyfor the
novelty.Herfingersclosedroundit,startedtopull.Hereyeswerenarrowed,he
could hear her breath hissing as she unfolded herself slowly from the chair. It
hurt,having herpullon himlikethat, inhisarm, inhis back. But it hurts her
more.Behindhermask,hewasprettysure,herteethweregrittedwithpain.She
moved her limbs one at a time, cautiously, not sure what would hurt and how
much. Glokta had to smile. A routine I go through myself every morning.
Strangelyinvigorating,toseesomeoneelsedoingit.
Eventually she was standing, her bandaged hand clutched against her ribs.
“Youabletowalk?”askedGlokta.
“I’llloosenup.”
“Whathappened?Dogs?”
She gave a bark of laughter. “No. A big Northman knocked the shit out of
me.”
Gloktasnorted.Well,forthrightatleast.“Shallwego?”
Shelookeddownathiscane.“Don’tsupposeyou’vegotoneofthosespare,
haveyou?”
“I’mafraidnot.Ionlyhavetheone,andIcan’twalkwithoutit.”
“Iknowhowyoufeel.”
Not quite. Glokta turned and began to limp away from the Arch Lectors
office.Not quite. He could hear the woman hobbling along behind. Strangely
invigoratingtohavesomeonetryingtokeepupwithme.Heuppedthepace,and
ithurthim.Butithurtshermore.
BacktotheSouth,then.Helickedathisemptygums.Hardlyaplaceofhappy
memories. To fight the Gurkish, after what it cost me last time. To root out
disloyaltyinacitywherenoonecanbetrusted,especiallythosesenttohelpme.
Tostruggleintheheatandthedust,atathanklesstaskalmostcertaintoendin
failure.Andfailure,morethanlikely,willmeandeath.
Hefelthischeektwitch,hiseyelidflicker.AtthehandsoftheGurkish?Atthe
hands of plotters against the crown? At the hands of his Eminence, or his
agents?Orsimplytovanish,asmypredecessordid?Hasonemaneverhadsuch
arangeofdeathstochoosefrom? Thecornerofhismouthtwitchedup.Ican
hardlywaittogetstarted.
That same question came into his head, over and over, and he still had no
answer.
WhydoIdothis?
Why?
Acknowledgments
Fourpeoplewithoutwhom…
BrenAbercrombie,whoseeyesaresorefromreadingit
NickAbercrombie,whoseearsaresorefromhearingaboutit
RobAbercrombie,whosefingersaresorefromturningthepages
LouAbercrombie,whosearmsaresorefromholdingmeup
Andalso…
MatthewAmos,forsolidadviceatashakytime
GillianRedfearn,whoreadpastthebeginningandmademechangeit
SimonSpanton,whoboughtitbeforehegottotheend
Copyright©JoeAbercrombie2006Allrightsreserved
TherightofJoeAbercrombietobeidentifiedastheauthorofthisworkhas
beenassertedbyhiminaccordancewiththeCopyright,DesignsandPatentsAct
1988.
FirstpublishedinGreatBritainin2006byGollancz
AnimprintoftheOrionPublishingGroupOrionHouse,5UpperStMartin’s
Lane,LondonWC2H9EA
AnHachetteLivreUKCompany
ThiseditionpublishedinGreatBritainin2007byGollancz
ACIPcataloguerecordforthisbookisavailablefromtheBritishLibrary
ISBN9780575079793
79108
TypesetbyDeltatypeLtd,Birkenhead,Merseyside
PrintedinGreatBritainbyMackaysofChathamplc,Chatham,Kent
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TableofContents
TheEnd
PARTI
TheSurvivors
Questions
NoChoiceatAll
PlayingWithKnives
TeethandFingers
TheWideandBarrenNorth
FencingPractice
TheMorningRitual
FirstoftheMagi
TheGoodMan
OntheList
AnOfferandaGift
TheKingoftheNorthmen
ARoadBetweenTwoDentists
Flatheads
TheCourseofTrueLove
HowDogsareTrained
TeaandVengeance
PARTII
WhatFreedomLooksLike
TheKing’sJustice
MeansofEscape
ThreeSigns
TheTheatricalOutfitters
BarbariansattheGate
Next
BetterthanDeath
SoreThumb
Questions
Nobility
DarkWork
WordsandDust
TheRemarkableTalentsofBrotherLongfoot
HerKindFightEverything
SheLovesMe…Not
TheSeed
NeverBetAgainstaMagus
TheIdealAudience
TheHouseoftheMaker
Nobody’sDog
EachManWorshipsHimself
OldFriends
BacktotheMud
Misery
TheBloody-Nine
TheToolsweHave
Acknowledgments